Coronation Street star Shelley King admitted it was a struggle to film recent scenes on the soap, as Yasmeen Nazir’s abuse storyline unfolded.
Corrie fans were devastated to witness Geoff Metcalfe’s controlling and manipulative behaviour on the soap, tormenting his wife Yasmeen behind closed doors.
Shelley, who has played Yasmeen for six years, admitted it was “difficult to unwind” after filming wrapped.
Played by Ian Bartholomew, Geoff’s character submitted Yasmeen to months of abuse, reaching a crescendo when she stabbed him in self-defence.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the 64-year-old actress added that she was proud to have reached out to victims of domestic violence in filming the traumatic scenes.
Yasmeen was at the heart of a harrowing abuse plot for over a year (Image: ITV)
She said: “The past few months were tiring to film. The storyline has been going on for two years and at times it was difficult to unwind.
“I felt a heaviness. It was a feeling that not everything is right in the world.
“But in a strangely positive way, I am getting messages from people all the time.”
Geoff tormented Yasmeen behind closed doors (Image: ITV)
Corrie fans from up and down the UK contacted the soap star as the heartbreaking scenes aired, thanking Shelley for representing their experience.
Shelley went on: “I’ve heard the most distressing stories from women and men from so many different backgrounds and cultures.
“One woman of 80 shared her story with me. It’s not something you ever forget.
Yasmeen ended up behind bars after defending herself in traumatic scenes (Image: ITV)
“Corrie is informing people there is help out there. It’s such an important issue to tackle — that’s why I love it.
“A lot of the messages I’ve been getting are from people saying, ‘That’s happening to me’. They’re watching the storyline and are now seeking help.”
The domestic abuse storyline came to a climax at a particularly poignant time, as cases of domestic violence in the UK continue to rise throughout the lockdown.
With victims forced to quarantine with their abusers, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly arranged an emergency summit next week to address the situation.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
