While Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) suffers in silence at the hands of abusive boyfriend Theo Silverton (James Cartwright), he’s soon set to face fresh worry following a bowel cancer screening appointment at the hospital.

Todd has thus far attempted to explain away all of Theo’s cruel and abusive behaviour, putting it down to the trauma inflicted on Theo during his experience of sickening conversion therapy, the breakdown of his marriage following his acceptance of his homosexuality, and the re-emergence (and later death) of twisted conversion therapy practitioner, Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor).

While Theo initially began to exert control over Todd through manipulation, in September, he first physically abused him by trying to force feed him kebab meat, while repeatedly trying to get Todd to withdraw from his friendship with former partner and current support system, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank).

Following a confrontation with an ex in Manchester’s gay village who confirmed that Theo is a serial abuser, he and Todd wind up in another fiery confrontation, leading Theo to head back out to the clubs.

Theo spends the following days torturing Todd and ensuring that he remains in the dark as to his whereabouts, while Todd’s colleague and friend George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) who, alongside girlfriend Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins), is becoming increasingly aware of Theo’s dark side, tells him he may be better off without.

Theo re-emerges, though, and a chance encounter with a severely unwell Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) leaves him looking heroic, convincing Todd to acquiesce, forgiving and forgetting his boyfriends vanishing.

This week sees Todd lie to Theo that he can’t attend Noah’s funeral due to work commitments, though he confides in Billy that he’s really attending a bowel cancer screening at the hospital.

Todd is determined to keep Theo out of the loop regarding his tests, not wanting to add any additional stress as he processes his feelings regarding Noah’s death.

Seeing Todd and Billy together, however, does little but reignite Theo’s jealousy.

Todd, meanwhile, is gripped with terror at the possible outcome of the test results, and begins to make plans for his own funeral.

George is obviously rattled and upon some pressing from Christina, snoops in Todd’s emails, finding a confirmation regarding a hospital appointment and vows to accompany Todd, who’s deeply grateful for his friends presence.

Meanwhile, back on the cobbles, Theo corners Billy – he knows something is seriously wrong with Todd and wants him to tell him what’s going on.

Post-appointment, Todd steps outside to phone Billy and fill him in on the results and as Billy steps away to take the call, Theo’s anger reignites, amplified as he begins to slam shots…