Yahoo News Coronation Street's Ian Bartholomew explains why Geoff was so scary
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
One of Coronation Street's most notorious villains, Geoff Metcalfe, finally got his comeuppance in last night's (December 9) 60th anniversary episode, but there's little doubt that the spectre of Geoff and his abuse will linger even after his exit.
Up there with the likes of Richard Hillman and John Stape, Geoff was a menacing and unnerving presence in Weatherfield, but his reign of terror over Yasmeen began to quickly unravel after she was acquitted of attempted murder last week.
After one final act of revenge against his wife – setting their house on fire with Yasmeen inside it – Geoff ultimately fell to his death in yesterday's special, with the soap gods delivering vengeance at last.
Related: Coronation Street stars reveal secrets of filming shock 60th anniversary exit scenes
Shelley King, who plays Yasmeen, has promised that the soap will continue to explore her character's "never-ending journey" as she processes the trauma of living under coercive control, and now actor Ian Bartholomew has revealed why Geoff is such an enduring and frightening character.
Speaking on Colson Smith's Corrie Good News web series, Ian explained that part of Geoff's ability to strike fear into viewers was his state of total denial.
"Geoff doesn't know he's a baddie," he explained. "He thinks his behaviour is entirely normal and he's the victim in the whole thing."
Related: 12 huge Coronation Street spoilers for next week
Opening about the experience of portraying Geoff's abuse, Ian continued: "It was hard coming to work everyday to be horrible to someone I really like, but... we both knew it was a very important story to tell.
"We both felt the responsibility of it quite keenly."
Coronation Street's 60th anniversary week concludes on Friday at 7.30pm on ITV with one more 60-minute special.
Organisations including Women's Aid can provide further support and information on coercive control or coercive behaviour.
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