Old tub faucet won't twist off & no set screw

[TurtleDove]

Our bathtub faucet is probably the original (1972!!!) and the diverter is pretty useless so we need to change it out.

Can't find a set screw, and it doesn't budge AT ALL when we try to 'unscrew' it.

Question: If we took a wrench to it, are we in danger of cracking the wall tiles? Hurting the pipe?

There is not grout around where the faucet meets the wall (see photos -- apologize for low light -- took w/ laptop).

Any suggestions to another approach?

Thanks for all kind replies!

 

[Stanley services]

These old faucets tend to unscrew counter clockwise. However due to its age it is most likely seized from hard water limescale. Is there any access from behind? If not I would try large mole grips after turning the water supply off, firmly pulling the faucet towards you to avoid tile damage and twisting anti clockwise. If this doesn’t work you will have to use a multi tool to cut through the grout line in the surrounding tile and then through the dry wall to gain access from the rear. Hope this helps