Coronation Street's long-running abuse storyline has sparked a flurry of complaints to Ofcom from distressed viewers.
While it has been unfolding on the hit ITV soap for months now, Geoff's treatment of wife Yasmeen has escalated into evil territory in recent weeks, with his actions airing in some traumatic scenes.
A few weeks ago, millions of viewers saw Geoff call Yasmeen "a clumsy oafish b***h," after a magic trick they were both involved in went wrong. His distraught wife struggled to hide her distress as the sound of the audience started to die out and she began panting. And then the abuse got even worse when he filmed her as she shouted vile insults at her, before rejecting the dinner she made for him and angrily ordered her out to get fish and chips.
In absolutely harrowing scenes that aired just just days later, Geoff locked Yasmeen in a box causing her to have a panic attack and there has been no let up since then as Geoff has managed to control his wife by manipulating her into feeling sorry for him.
And, according to The Sun , upset viewers have complained to Ofcom about the plot, with the broadcasting regulator receiving 146 complaints so far.
The episode when Yasmeen was locked in the box alone received 74 complaints and some viewers have also taken to Twitter to say it's becoming too much to watch.
Journalist and Celebrity Big Brother contestant, India Willoughby tweeted: "For the sake of the nation, wrap up the Geoff and Yasmeen storyline. Know there’s no physical violence, but it’s a bit strong for 7:30pm," and another viewer posted: "I appreciate that highlighting issues in society is important but I do think that the storyline of Geoff abusing Yasmeen has run its course. It is not entertainment and if it carries on for much longer my wife and I will stop watching.
Others feel like it's important Coronation Street is shining a light on something that is real-life for many people.
One reacted: "Think it's an important story line well portrayed and demonstrating how Geoff's controlling behaviour is eroding Yasmeen's sense of self worth so she sees it as being her fault," and, in agreement, another added: "Real life issues can drag on for years. It's showing true life which people have to suffer. Not just going to stop in a click. It's great seeing soaps cover various real life problems people have to deal with."
