Ian Bartholomew has told how playing Corrie abuser Geoff Metcalfe is a “deeply unpleasant” experience.
The actor is launching a charity single for Women’s Aid after the role opened his eyes to domestic abuse.
He said: “People say, ‘Is it fun playing a baddie?’ The short answer is no, it’s not. Because I had to go to places in myself that I didn’t particularly want to.”
Ian has played Geoff, who abused wife Yasmeen (Shelley King) in the ITV soap, for two years.
He said his motivation for writing the single This Time It’s Forever, which is out today, was the soaring number of domestic abuse cases during lockdown.
Dad-of-two Ian added: “I just thought what a horrific situation to be in. Locked in with your abuser and not being able to get away from the everyday reality of a violent relationship.”
In the soap, Yasmeen is on remand in jail after eventually snapping and lashing out at her husband with a wine bottle.
Her trial for attempted murder will take place in the week that Coronation Street celebrates its 60th anniversary in early December.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV.
For more information, help and support, visit https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/ or contact a local domestic abuse service by using their Domestic Abuse Directory
