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Coronation Street's Ian Bartholomew confirms "shelf life" for Geoff

From Digital Spy

Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Coronation Street star Ian Bartholomew has confirmed that his character Geoff Metcalfe has a "shelf life" ahead of new scenes for the soap's 60th anniversary.

The coercive control storyline with Yasmeen is set to come to a head next week, though it is currently unclear how things will come to pass.

Geoff is currently planning to move to Cyprus, though in new scenes he will commit arson that may lead to his arrest. Alternatively, he could finally face justice for abusing Yasmeen, or something else entirely could ensue.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Related: Coronation Street's Sair Khan reveals Alya and Geoff's shock final showdown

Reflecting on being part of the soap, Ian told Digital Spy and other media: "When I first joined, Geoff was a bit of a bumbling idiot. He was an amateur magician and DJ.

"He suddenly developed when they decided to turn the storyline and character into something else. That was about six months in and we have been playing this story now for the best part of two years."

He added of his potential exit: "I think it's pretty much understood that if you play a character like this, or if you are a villain or a baddie, there is a certain amount of shelf life. It wasn't a surprise when we realised that we were coming to some sort of conclusion or some sort of catharsis for Yasmeen.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Related: Coronation Street's Ian Bartholomew teases tense Geoff and Yasmeen trial scenes

"Whatever happens, Yasmeen has to deal with the aftermath of it and I think that's important to stress and to understand that it will be continuing, because that's part of the story. It's not just about what happens before the major incident – it's what happens after."

Speaking further of playing Geoff, Ian said: "It's been a ride! It has been very challenging, but people around us have been so supportive and understanding. Everybody in the storyline helped us through, along with the directors and the writers.

"It's a great honour and privilege to be involved in this storyline – it gets to so many people. This is what a public broadcaster does so well. It's an issue-driven story and I think they've handled it incredibly well.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Related: Coronation Street's Geoff makes shock accusations, and 8 more big soap moments airing this week

"Before anybody realised what was happening, the coercive control story started to develop. Once they realised, they'd invested so much that it really hit home. It was a very clever way to do it and I appreciate the opportunity to tell a story like this because it's important.

"You have to bring domestic abuse out of the shadows and into the light, where we can see it, talk about it and do something positive."

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, with Fridays sometimes featuring an hour-long episode from 7.30pm instead.

Watch: Two stars booted off I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Organisations including Women's Aid can provide further support and information on coercive control or coercive behaviour.

We would encourage any readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story to contact Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) or Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk). The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.

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