Emmerdale actress Michelle Hardwick has publicly praised her wife, Coronation Street executive producer Kate Brooks, for a powerful and innovative episode of the ITV soap that aired on Monday, 15th December 2025.
A Groundbreaking Episode Format
The special instalment of Coronation Street focused on the harrowing domestic abuse storyline between characters Todd Grimshaw and Theo Silverton. It took a unique narrative approach, unfolding entirely through various camera perspectives.
The episode was constructed using footage from Todd's hidden camera, CCTV, dashcams, video doorbells, and police bodycams. This technique provided a raw and disturbing insight into the abuse happening behind closed doors, culminating in Todd's arrest after he defended himself against Theo.
The chilling cliffhanger saw Theo discovering Todd's concealed camera upon their return from the police station, setting the stage for further drama.
Praise from a Proud Wife
Michelle Hardwick, 49, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale and has been married to Kate Brooks since 2019, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She hailed her wife's "genius idea" for the episode's distinctive format.
"Ok, proud wife alert here," Michelle wrote. "'What about an episode through the cameras in the house, will it work?' Yes, yes it did Kate Brooks."
She extended her praise to writer Iain Kershaw and director Matt Hilton, as well as actors Gareth Pierce and James Cartwright, who portray Todd and Theo. Michelle described the episode as "a hard watch" but "an important watch."
Viewer and Fan Reaction
The episode was met with an overwhelming wave of acclaim on social media, with viewers describing it as "outstanding," "powerful," and "incredible." Many fans highlighted the superb performances of the lead actors and suggested the soap deserves major awards for its handling of the sensitive topic.
One viewer commented on the show's potential real-world impact, stating it was "SO important and if it helps even one person out there to walk away from an abusive relationship then it's worth it." Others directly praised Kate Brooks for her influence on the show's direction.
Coronation Street continues its regular schedule, airing on ITV and ITVX on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8pm.
