Ever since it was announced that beloved Coronation Street vicar, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) will be departing the cobbles in an ‘issue based’ storyline, fans have wondered how he would bow out.
It’s since been rumoured that he won’t be leaving in a black cab, but a funeral hearse. A Corrie source told The Sun: ‘bosses are busy plotting how to kill off Billy, there aren’t any plans to bring him back onto the soap so it makes sense to make his exit the most impactful and explosive it can be.’
Billy has been found himself increasingly drawn into ex Todd Grimshaw’s (Gareth Pierce) increasingly abusive relationship with conversion therapy victim Theo, and with Theo’s behaviour set to get even worse, and his fresh desire to rid Billy from Todd’s life.
As he’s drawn further into deeply disturbed Theo Silverton’s (James Cartwright) orbit while we creep toward his exit, will making an enemy of the rapidly spiralling scaffolder prove to be his undoing?
Theo’s dark history has been slowly revealed since he made his debut on the cobbles this year. After he fell for Todd, he exposed to his new boyfriend that he’d been subject to depraved conversion therapy. The later emergence of Theo’s ex-wife Danielle’s (Natalie Anderson) new relationship with evil conversion therapist Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor) caused further issues.
Billy has stood steadfastly beside both Todd and Theo. He was there and offered support when when Todd attacked Noah, but later became concerned for Todd when violent incidents from Theo’s past came to light.
Unbeknownst to Billy, Theo’s ire was raised when he learned from Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell) that she would be hosting drinks in memory of her brother Paul (Peter Ash), who died last year after a battle with motor neurone disease (MND). He’s also incredibly perturbed to learn that Todd will be attending with Billy.
Later, Theo ramped up the emotional manipulation and managed to convince Todd to stay at home and skip the celebration.
His anger at Billy’s presence was further compounded when the kind vicar tried to get through to Theo’s deeply brainwashed son, Miles (Lewis William Magee).
Furious and evidently sick with jealousy over the bond that exists between the exes, Theo lay it on the line and told Todd that he must immediately choose between a relationship with him or his friendship with Billy, making it clear that things would be over unless Todd cut Billy out entirely.
When a cowed Todd confirms that he’ll sacrifice Billy to keep his relationship going, Theo is elated and heads to his mediation session with Danielle with a sense of hope, though this is quickly dashed when he realises that Danielle has come with Noah.
Upon returning home and finding the house empty, Theo is utterly enraged to find out that Todd is with Billy in the Rover’s after swearing to cut him out, and seeks solace in a bottle of brandy.
The following day sees Billy cross a still-furious Theo, who, as seen in the spoiler video above, makes absolutely no bones about the fact that he’s furious with him.
Undeterred, Billy presses further, his ever-present desire to help still strong, but is he playing with fire? Will Theo’s intense, burning jealousy and desire to keep Todd to himself mean he’ll resort to desperate measures to remove any obstacle?
Talking about his impending departure, Daniel previously said: ‘I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life. I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not look forward to going into work.
‘I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.’
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks said: ‘Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit.
