The liberated Rory McIlroy that his competitors dreaded following his Masters victory 12 months ago has emerged. And the five-time major winner exuded confidence after an impressive opening round.

With his Green Jacket securely stored in the champions’ locker room at Augusta National’s clubhouse, nothing could unsettle him as he battled through some wayward shots to produce a five-under-par 67, sharing the early lead with Sam Burns.

For over a decade, McIlroy carried the burden of Augusta National’s prestige and the weight of completing the career Grand Slam, but having conquered those challenges with his 2025 victory, he played brilliantly to navigate his way to the summit of the leaderboard.

“I’ve been saying all week that there is a certain freedom. If I hit it in the trees, it’s okay, I’ll go figure it out,” he said. “Wherever I hit it on this golf course, I feel like I’ve seen it all over the past 18 years, and I always feel like I can figure it out and get it to the front of a green, make a par, and move on, and I did that quite a bit on the front line today.

“Then I started find my game a bit on the back nine. I swung freely even when I was missing tee shots on the front nine. I still kept swinging. I didn’t start to get tentative; I kept swinging away, just hoping that sooner or later I’d find it, and I did.”

He added: “It’s a great start. There’s a long way to go, but yeah, I’m right in the tournament, and it’s a lot better than starting from seven behind going into the second round like last year. A great start, but I can’t get ahead of myself.”

McIlroy demonstrated he’s prepared to defend his Masters title successfully. The defending champion posted a five-under-par 67 to share the early lead alongside American Sam Burns at Augusta National.

Last year, 17 years of frustration at Augusta were finally laid to rest, and following months of searching for his next major challenge, the 36 year old is determined to add to his collection of five Major championships this week, reports the Express.

The fact he was some distance from his finest form for much of his opening round will only strengthen his conviction that he can join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in successfully defending at the Masters.

Several rivals felt helpless watching his name surge up the leaderboard during the back nine; close mate Shane Lowry admitted feeling completely outclassed and joked McIlroy could win four consecutive titles.

The world No. 2 thoroughly embraced his role as defending champion this week before competition commenced, enjoying his time at Augusta National and wishing the experience could last forever.

That relaxed approach was evident in his early play. He began untidily, sending drives wayward in both directions, but his short game kept him in contention and prevented significant setbacks. His drive at the par-five second cleared the bunker but veered into the pine straw. A wayward second shot sailed beyond the gallery rope, yet he recovered brilliantly with an exceptional pitch to register his first birdie.

The Northern Irishman surrendered that gain at the third, but returned to red figures at the eighth courtesy of a penetrating 3-wood into the uphill par five, leaving him a simple birdie putt.

Further progress came at the ninth, where a powerful drive was followed by an accurate approach shot, and he converted the downhill putt to reach two under. Amen Corner loomed, and he negotiated the treacherous 12th and 13th holes safely before a 13th that perfectly summarised his round.

His tee shot failed to shape left, and his ball came to rest deep amongst the pines. Compelled to play out sideways, he created a mid-range birdie chance and successfully converted it.

For someone celebrated for spectacular play, this display prioritised grit over glamour – precisely the type of round he would have desperately craved during his previous Masters struggles.

A flash of classic McIlroy magic emerged at the 14th, finding the fairway and wedging close to move to four-under. His rhythm was building.

At the 15th, he grabbed a share of the lead, draining a lengthy downhill putt and celebrating with an emphatic fist pump. The 16th and 17th passed without incident, although he felt disappointed not to capitalise on promising birdie opportunities. Then came the scene of his career-defining moment. The pinnacle of his life’s ambition unfolded on Augusta National’s 18th green a year ago. This time, his drive missed the fairway, but he recovered smartly from the bunker with a measured second shot to the centre of the green.

A two-putt par capped off a threatening opening round for his competitors, showcasing the pragmatism and composure that only comes from a mind unburdened by pressure.

His preparation had been less than perfect, having nursed a back problem last month, but there’s no doubt that Rory McIlroy isn’t here simply to reminisce about past achievements.

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I’m A Celebrity fans have called for David Haye to be the first campmate evicted over his ‘attitude’ problems.

The former boxer, 45, is no stranger to pulling punches, but he certainly seems to have rubbed fans up the wrong way after ruffling some feathers in camp.

Thursday night’s episode saw members of the Savannah Scrub reunite with the Main Camp after Craig Charles faced off against Gemma Collins in an eating trial.

However, former heavyweight boxing champion David sparked backlash online with his comments about his fellow I’m A Celeb contestants.

Sitting around the camp, David asked which other campmates everybody would want in the Main Camp, before saying: ‘Who’s going to add value? We don’t want any dead weight.’

After Scarlett Moffatt suggested Beverley Callard, David questioned: ‘What’s she adding? What value is she adding?’ before Craig Charles replied: ‘She’s a lady, she’s older. It would be nice to give her some comfort.’

When David stayed quiet, Craig added: ‘He’s not convinced,’ before David laughed and said: ‘I say let them fight it out.’

Speaking in the bush telegraph, he then said: ‘I think it’s a sportsman’s mindset. You’re looking for the best team. Are you going to do your job and is it going to assist me being better at what I do so I can win and then we all eat well?’

Reacting to the moment on social media, many fans criticised his tone and how he was annoyed about the camp only receiving six stars for their trial.

Writing on X, Mishy declared: ‘Can David Haye be the first one booted out please?’

Clarkie also quipped: ‘Well don’t think David is going to win now,’ as @missyoumuch asked: ‘Is David for real???’

Commenting on his harsh approach to other celebrities failing to get stars, Leigh added: ‘Let’s hoping when David Haye gets to do a challenge he gets no stars,’ as Duke wrote: ‘David Haye needs to drop it out seriously.’

Summing up a lot of viewer’s frustrations, Vian also said: ‘What the heck is up with David? Why is he upset with anything that’s less than ten stars? Does he ever think in any way that’s not logical? Jesus Christ, show some emotion!’

Several fans also compared David’s treatment of his fellow campmates to Sir Mo Farah, as Emma wrote: ‘Mo is also a sportsman, you don’t see him acting this way.’

She also added: ‘[David] doesn’t care about people’s feelings only what “value” they have to the group. How about just being a kind person? Is it SO hard?’

This comes after Gemma previously hit out at David for ‘denying her water’ during her eating trial against Craig.

Her performance in the challenge did, however, win over viewers who declared that they are now ‘rooting for her’.

I’m A Celebrity South Africa airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale, and Shane Richie are bringing The Prat Pack’s Back to the Opera House on September 5 and 6.

Following the success of their 2025 tour and sold-out show at the London Palladium.

The variety show promises “music, mischief, mayhem” in a revival of classic British comedy and big-band swing, accompanied by a 15-piece Barry Robinson Big Band.

Bradley Walsh said: “We had so much fun on the road in 2025 — as much fun as those amazing audiences — and we couldn’t resist the call to get back on the road.

“These shows are going to be even bigger, even better, and even more hilarious.

“Brian, Joe, and Shane are my best friends and there is no one I would rather be on the tour bus with.”

The show is inspired by the chemistry of the original Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford.

The Prat Pack offers a uniquely British take, blending vintage showmanship with comedy, live music, and unscripted banter, according to organisers.

The show gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the friendship between four entertainers, who first met decades ago as Bluecoats and Greencoats before rising to fame on television.

The show was originally intended as a one-off performance at the London Palladium.

Tickets for the Manchester shows go on sale at 10am on Friday, April 10, through Ticketmaster.

The nineties boyband were reportedly planning a 30th anniversary tour but plans are said to have been dropped as the stars, some more eager than others, struggled to agree

Say Bye Bye Bye to seeing NSYNC reunite. The boyband were reportedly planning a comeback but plans are said to have been scrapped after the stars struggled to agree on the details.

Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick were all thought to be planning to reunite for the band’s 30th anniversary in 2026 – without Justin Timberlake. They were said to have entered negotiations with touring promoters, but it has now been reported that those plans are over.

Some members were said to be more interested in reuniting than others. In the docuseries Boy Band Confidential, Joey said: “People are always asking, ‘Is the group getting together? Is anything going to happen? Do I see anything in the near future?’

READ MORE: Justin Timberlake arrest footage is released as star complains he’s ‘being treated like a criminal’READ MORE: Justin Timberlake stumbles in drink-driving arrest video after lawsuit to stop its release

“No, I don’t. Would I want to do it? Yes. Some of the other guys, sure. Some of the other guys, maybe not.” Joey added that some members of the band were concerned about leaving their young children, while Justin had only just finished his own tour. He continued: “I’ll be honest, I always say, ‘Hey, why not?’ because I think I’m ready. I don’t think everybody else is ready yet.”

Justin also appeared to struggle during his last tour, as he was arrested for drink driving whilst doing his world tour. He was taken into legal custody by police in 2024 for driving whilst intoxicated and the clips of the arrest were initially buried. But officials were given the greenlight to release them in March.

Fans were left stunned by the footage that showed the former NSYNC star being pulled over, as an officer explains: “The reason I stopped is because you’re veering off to the left and you’re not stopping at the stop signs.”

The 45-year-old replies: “Yeah, sorry about that” before explaining the car is a rental and looking for the car registration as he explains the car is being rented “for a couple of days” as he’s currently on a ” world tour”.

Justin looked unsteady on his feet as he conducted a sobriety test. He also stumbled and had slowed speech before being placed in the back of a police car.

Now, what happened at the police station has been revealed after bodycam footage was obtained by CBS News. Justin, 45, was told by an officer why he was in handcuffs, before being asked if he consented to a chemical test, which he refused. “What was the traffic violation I missed, just for future reference?” he quizzed.

He then complained: “You boys are treating me like a criminal.” The cop then tells him: “I don’t want to call anyone names, but this is the situation we’re in Mr Timberlake I’m afraid. I’m trying my best to treat you like anybody else.”

Justin then stares at the officer and asks: “Can I ask you a question, is this the normal process? Do you normally cuff people up?” After being told all DWI arrests are handled the same way, the singer said: “I appreciate you boys doing your job.” He was then taken to his cell and told he would be there until morning. “I have to stay here all night? You guys are wild, man.”

Justin was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanour, but later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving while impaired, which is an infraction. The Mirror approached a representative for Justin Timberlake for comment at the time.

For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

This is the text from The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email. Sign up here to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

It’s still not clear who will turn up in Islamabad tomorrow for the first round of talks aimed at turning the 14-day ceasefire in the Iran war into a permanent end to the crisis. Indeed, it’s not at all certain that the ceasefire will still even exist by then.

To anyone following events, there seemed little, if any, gap between reports that Pakistan had brokered a truce between the warring parties and news that Israel was continuing to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon. But from then the story followed a depressingly familiar path. Iran – backed by Pakistan – claimed that the ceasefire also covered Lebanon. Israel said that it didn’t and it would continue to pound Hezbollah targets there.

For his part, the US president, Donald Trump, said that as far as he was concerned, Israel’s assault on Lebanon was a “separate skirmish”, albeit one of considerable brutality in which 1,400 people were either killed or wounded.

We asked Scott Lucas, of the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin for his take on some of the most important issues which may affect the talks.

À lire aussi :
Why is Israel continuing to attack Lebanon, despite the ceasefire? Expert Q&A

The ceasefire was always going to be fragile, even without Israel’s intervention. There’s clearly no goodwill or trust between the warring parties. Trump was less than two hours away from launching an attack on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including its power plants and its bridges – a bombardment so monumental that, as he put it: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again”.

Tehran, for its part, was spitting defiance back at Washington, while calling on its people to form human chains across bridges and around power plants.

Nicholas Wheeler, an international relations expert at the University of Birmingham who has been investigating the role of trust in diplomacy, believes there’s a big difference between a mutual lack of trust between warring parties, and active distrust. In the former situation there is the potential for trust to develop. But in this case – as Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi noted recently, the US has now twice attacked Iran during ongoing negotiations, so – he says – there is “zero trust” in the US from Tehran’s point of view.

Trump’s failure to bring the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to heel over Israel’s continuing bombardment of Lebanon can only make matters worse.

À lire aussi :
Iran ceasefire: trust will be vital but it’s in short supply right now

And so Iran has not opened the Strait of Hormuz, which was America’s most important demand. We must wait to see what events, both in the Middle East and at the negotiations in Islamabad, will bring. The ceasefire had allowed both Tehran and Washington to declare a victory – which certainly seemed to be something in which the Trump administration placed a great deal of value. Both the US president and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, were trumpeting that line on Wednesday – Hegseth going so far as to say that the Iranian military was rendered completely ineffective and that the country’s leadership “begged” for a ceasefire.

Iran also declared victory. And Bamo Nouri and Inderjeet Parmeer of City St George’s, University of London, believe that Tehran has more reason to do so. For one thing, the Islamic Republic has demonstrated resilience in the face of the might of US and Israeli firepower that aimed to destroy it. It has shown that it can use its control of Hormuz to thrown global energy markets into considerable disarray. And, under the terms of the ceasefire accepted by the US president, it is Iran’s ten-point plan which will form the basis of negotiations.

À lire aussi :
Middle East conflict: this ceasefire may have made Iran stronger

Changing world order

The US president, meanwhile, has repeated his criticisms of America’s Nato allies and, according to German news magazine Der Speigel, has issued what European diplomats are calling “an ultimatum” for European member states to send military assistance to the Strait of Hormuz within days.

Trump has been highly critical of Nato as a whole – and several of its member states specifically – because he believes they haven’t done enough to help the US and Israel against Iran. On April 1, he raised the possibility of the US quitting Nato altogether.

But he’s unlikely to pull America out of its transatlantic alliance, writes Paul Whiteley, who gives us three reasons why it’s either not in the US president’s interests or America’s to turn his back on the alliance it has led for nearly eight decades.

À lire aussi :
Three reasons Donald Trump won’t pull the US out of Nato

The emergence of Pakistan as a key interlocutor in all this will have come as something of a surprise to many. But the country has emerged, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, as part of an important power bloc with influence in the Middle East, writes Natasha Lindstaedt, professor in the Department of Government at the University of Essex.

Lindstaedt argues that these countries want an end to the dominant roles played by both Israel and Iran in the region. The war in Gaza has appalled the Islamic world and put paid to any hopes – certainly for the near future – of any normalisation of relations of the sort envisaged by Donald Trump’s Abraham Accords. And all are also tired of the force for tensions and destabilisation that Iran has represented for nearly five decades.

As Lindstaedt points out, they’re a powerful bunch: Pakistan has nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia has loads of oil, Egypt controls access to the Suez Canal and Turkey is a member of Nato: “Taken together, they represent the most politically and militarily influential Muslim-majority countries in the world,” she concludes.

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Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia emerge as a new regional power bloc amid Iran war

Meanwhile in Hungary

Hungarians head to the polls on Sunday for elections which will determine who is to be the country’s next prime minister. The long-time incumbent, Viktor Orbán, faces a stiff challenge from his former political ally, Péter Magyar. Polls show he is seriously up against it.

So the US president dispatched J.D. Vance to campaign alongside the prime minister in a bid to mobilise the country’s far-right eurosceptics. Zsofia Bocskay, of Central European University, sets the scene for what she believes could be a turning point for Hungarian politics.

À lire aussi :
Hungary election: how a new opponent has forced Viktor Orbán into the first genuinely competitive race in 16 years

Birmingham University’s Stefan Wolff, meanwhile, believes that the fall in support for Orbán despite all the help from Washington, reflects a Europe-wide disenchantment with Trump, especially in light of the US president’s apparently warm relationship with Vladimir Putin, a leader many feel poses a very real threat to their security.

À lire aussi :
Hungarian election exposes tensions at the heart of Donald Trump’s plans to boost the far-right in Europe

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTÉ on Thursday, Minister of State Timmy Dooley said it was his understanding that invitations had been extended to representative bodies “to continue the dialogue that started last week”, but that the government would not be meeting with representatives from the protesters.

Liverpool are not planning to sack Arne Slot and want him in place for the start of next season, according to reports.

Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield having replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024.

However, Liverpool have put up a woeful defence of their Premier League title and currently sit fifth in the table, just one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea.

Liverpool also have a mountain to climb in order to reach the Champions League semi-final following their 2-0 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday night.

Slot’s side failed to have a shot on target and registered just 26 per cent possession at the Parc des Princes as they struggle to cope with the speed and precision of PSG’s attack.

‘We were in survival mode for large parts of the game,’ Slot admitted after the defeat to Luis Enrique’s side, who won the Champions League last season.

‘But maybe also in the period of the season where we were in survival mode.’

Liverpool are facing increasing pressure from supporters to sack Slot, particularly with Xabi Alonso now available after he was dismissed by Real Madrid in January.

However, The Telegraph reports that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group believe that Slot ‘deserves’ to remain in charge for the start of next season.

The report adds that Liverpool’s hierarchy feel that Slot needs four transfer windows before making a decision over his future.

Liverpool are also said to have remained mindful of Alonso’s decision to reject a move to Anfield in 2024 when he was considered as a replacement for Klopp.

Alonso spent one more season at Bayer Leverkusen having guided the German club to the domestic double before he moved to Real Madrid in May last year.

Liverpool are next in action on Saturday when they host Fulham at Anfield in the Premier League.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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Two candidates have made it through to The Apprentice 2026 final after a series of gruelling interviews

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BBC’s The Apprentice has revealed its 2026 finalists after eleven weeks of demanding challenges.

Thursday’s (April 9) episode saw the remaining five candidates – Dan Miller, Karishma Vijay, Lawrence Rosenberg, Pascha Myhill, and Priyesh Bathia – face the dreaded interview stage of the competition, with Pascha and Karishma ultimately progressing to the final.

Earlier in the episode, the aspiring entrepreneurs endured a rigorous series of interviews with Lord Sugar’s most hard-hitting business advisers: Claude Littner, Claudine Collins, Linda Plant, and Mike Soutar.

Their business proposals were scrutinised in detail, products underwent blind testing, and one candidate even had to create a bespoke cocktail on the spot. While some contenders rose to the challenge, others buckled beneath the intensity.

In the boardroom, Lord Sugar faced a difficult choice, as just two candidates could secure their place in next week’s grand final, reports the Mirror.

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Following a series of “brutal” interviews and boardroom discussions, the journey ended for Dan, Lawrence and Priyesh, while Pascha and Karishma advanced to the grand finale.

Numerous viewers welcomed the outcome, with one person posting on X (formerly Twitter): “My final 2 are in the final!”

Another commented: “Girl power final,” while a third remarked: “Best finalists they’ve had in a long time!” A fourth fan shared the enthusiasm, stating: “Oh I am so pleased, an all female final. Well done ladies.”

However, some viewers were surprised that Lord Sugar opted not to send Dan through to the final, given that he already operates a thriving student recruitment firm.

“I don’t think Dan should have been sent home,” one viewer wrote, while another added: “Dan was robbed of the final 2.”

A third commented: “I did not see that coming,” with yet another sharing: “Gutted for Dan but if he can get control of finances he could be very successful in future.”

Recruitment consultant Pascha is pitching a new venture within private healthcare, aiming to supply experienced, compliant, and compassionate professionals to private nursing homes, care homes, supported living services, domiciliary care providers and nurseries across the UK.

Meanwhile, beauty brand owner Karishma is seeking investment to expand her existing business. Kishkin is a skincare-infused beauty brand that creates powerful and potent products that simplify a lengthy trend-driven skincare routine.

Next week, Pascha and Karishma will be joined by several of this series’ candidates as they present their business proposals to a room packed with industry experts and notable figures from the past 20 years of the programme. All of this leads up to Lord Sugar’s decision on who will become his next business partner.

The Apprentice is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The council’s bid was recently longlisted for the prestigious title due to be awarded for 2029.

Speaking at a meeting, Councillor Ian Morrish said he hoped, if the council was successful, there would be investment in a town-wide clean up.

He said: “We have all seen the photos of piles of rubbish around the tents of the homeless on Bridge Street West, who have nowhere else to go that is safe.

“We need a concentrated push on rehoming these people and all similar in the borough, where possible, and clearing the waste on a more frequent basis if we are to stand any chance of winning the City of Culture title.

“A clean up needs to happen, not just on that one road, there are lots of areas that need it.”

He said the council’s homelessness team and its partner, homelessness charity Depauls UK were doing a “great job” in engaging with the individuals affected, but asked: “What more do we need to be doing?”

Images of a makeshift camp referred to by Cllr Morrish first circulated online last month showing empty tents, bedding and piles of litter on a strip of land a short walk away from Middlesbrough Railway Station.

Some rough sleepers were then moved on with another encampment subsequently emerging on a grassed area close to Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough HQ.

Referring to the City of Culture bid, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said a “united front” was needed and any additional funding which came with such an award would be of massive significance.

He claimed the town was “utterly deserving” to have such recognition.

Mr Cooke said  later in the year the council would publish a new homelessness strategy.

Two further members of staff had also been recruited as part of efforts aimed at helping those who were most vulnerable and sleeping rough.

Meanwhile, a recorded increase in homelessness in the town was a “shocking sign of the times”, he said.

The mayor said: “We need to get moving on making sure people have quality homes, alongside supporting those furthest away from the housing market and unable to gain a tenancy themselves.”

Cllr Morrish, an independent member for Marton West, asked if it would be possible to find and set aside a “secure area” for those living in tents.

Mr Cooke warned that could lead to more issues and people coming from out of the area.

He added: “We need to make sure that we provide adequate provision for those identifying as homeless before they get to the point of having to sleep in a tent.”

He said the council had employed new neighbourhood caretakers and a back alley cleansing team, which would add to the clean-up picture in the town.

Middlesbrough Council says staff regularly offer support to people sleeping rough to help them move to suitable accommodation, but individuals can face a range of complex issues requiring help from multiple services.

Mr Cooke, in a previous statement, said that some individuals were choosing to sleep rough, while others found themselves evicted from different housing solutions.

He said the local authority was “always striving to balance the needs of those who find themselves homeless and the impact their actions have on others”.

So, before you go on, there are spoilers ahead.

Grimshaw has been a mainstay on the cobbles since 14 January 2001.

Originally played by Bruno Langley, Gareth Pierce took over the role from October 2020.

In tonight’s (Thursday, 9 April) episode, Todd suffers domestic abuse at the hands of his partner.

Sarah Platt catches Todd outside the flat as he asks her to leave him alone, though she expresses fear that Theo will read the messages that she sends to Todd.

Todd covers the door camera with his back and silently ushers her in.

Tonight’s Coronation Street episode

It has been described as ‘terrifying’ by Digital Spy.

In the flat, Sarah notes that Todd didn’t reply to a message about George Shuttleworth selling the undertakers, asking whether he’s scared about Theo seeing him reply.

“I think you’re hiding, I think that’s what you’re doing,” she suggests.

Sarah then also picks up on Todd’s behaviour, noticing he “doesn’t sound” like himself.

“Who does it sound like?” he retorts, before telling her to leave.

Sarah pleads with him not to shut her and George out, and Todd notices she is subtly checking his arms for bruises.

“I love you so much, you know that,” she tells him, “and if this was the other way round you know you would do exactly the same thing for me.”

Their fear spikes when they hear Theo returning. In a panic, Todd urges Sarah to hide in the bedroom.

But Theo quickly realises someone else is in the flat after spotting two cups of tea, and coldly accuses Todd of lying. Before he can search, Sarah steps out and reveals herself.

Later, as the three of them sit sharing a tea, Theo turns on the charm, insisting Todd and Sarah should “never ever feel” they have to hide their friendship from him, and asking: “What kind of monster would I be to even think about keeping you apart?”

How will Todd react in next week’s Coronation Street?

Once Sarah has gone, his pleasant façade vanishes, and he rounds on Todd, accusing him of betrayal.

A shaken Todd insists Sarah forced her way in, but Theo tells him he will do “absolutely nothing” to him – before chillingly adding, “for now”.

The scenes set up a pivotal week in the dark storyline, as a bloodied Todd faces the agonising decision to go to the police and report the abuse he has endured.

Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

Who’s your favourite Coronation Street character? Let us know in the comments