“Todd works in Shuttleworth’s, which is a funeral directors, with George. To complicate matters further, George is dating Todd’s mum Eileen. 😂 Much hilarity ensues.”
As I approached the Coronation Street Experience, the iconic cobbles gleaming beneath the afternoon sun, the sense of nostalgia was palpable. Few places hold such a rich tapestry of British drama, and this tour promised an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, featuring a special introduction by none other than Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce, himself.
As the crowd gathered, the tour guide’s enthusiastic declaration echoed the sentiments of many: “It’s Gareth Pierce, but we know him as Todd Grimshaw!” Gareth Pierce, with his infectious energy, took the stage. His recounting of Todd Grimshaw’s complex relationships and the shenanigans at No. 11 had the audience in splits. The fun tidbits about the current dynamics of the Grimshaw house offered a great prelude to the tour itself.
“Thank you all! Welcome! You’re on the Corrie Tour so I’m sure loads of you have got encyclopaedia knowledge of the show but I will give you a little intro. My name is Gareth, and I play Todd Grimshaw, Eileen Grimshaw’s son. I’ve got a brother Jason as well, he’s currently in Thailand.”
For a character that has faced his share of love, loss, and redemption, Todd’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. The youngest son of Eileen Grimshaw, his early life in Coronation Street was marked by young love and coming to terms with his sexuality, leading to heartbreaking repercussions.
“Todd works in Shuttleworth’s, which is a funeral directors, with George. To complicate matters further, George is dating Todd’s mum Eileen. Much hilarity ensues.”
“Todd has been in the show for over twenty years now. And I’m in my fourth year of playing Todd. Yes obviously we get a lot of nice comic stuff in The Undertakers, but Todd is a little devious and sneaky at times as well.”
After the Coronation Street cast meet and greet, fans were led through iconic settings such as the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls. The attention to detail in the sets was impeccable, giving attendees the sense of being part of Weatherfield.
The Coronation Street Tour offered more than just a walk through the sets; it was a trip down memory lane. For long-time viewers, every corner of the set brought back memories of classic storylines, heated confrontations, and touching moments.
It wasn’t just the sets that left an impression. Having Gareth Pierce’s personal touch – his anecdotes, his reflections on Todd’s journey, and his cheerful interactions – elevated the experience. His warmth and genuine appreciation for the show’s fans was evident throughout.
To wrap it up, the Coronation Street Experience was more than just a tour; it was a heartfelt tribute to decades of storytelling. With its rich character arcs and an opportunity to literally walk in the characters’ footsteps, it’s a must-visit for every Corrie enthusiast. If the streets of Weatherfield have ever held a place in your heart, this tour will reignite your love for the show. As for Gareth Pierce – his charming presence made an already memorable tour simply unforgettable.
If you’ve ever taken a stroll down the famous Coronation Street cobbles, chances are you’ve already met David Owen – one of our most beloved and longest-serving Corrie tour guides here at the Coronation Street Experience in Manchester.
Meet a star on your next group visit to the Coronation Street Experience!
Soap fans, the rumours are true—Coronation Street and Emmerdale are joining forces for a once-in-a-lifetime crossover episode that will hit the telly in January 2026!
This bank holiday, forget the overcrowded national parks, packed shopping centres, and that inevitable debate over flat-packed furniture.
A community choir of Coronation Street superfans lit up the iconic cobbles with a heartwarming festive performance of a special Corrie Christmas Carol.
The magic of the Coronation Street and Emmerdale tours is more than what you see – it’s the warmth of reliving shared history with loved ones, just as you’ve done on the sofa for decades prior.