Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Ian Bartholomew has hinted that Geoff Metcalfe's past could play a role in his downfall.
Evil Geoff is currently trying to cover his tracks after subjecting his wife Yasmeen to months of abuse. However, the ITV show has confirmed that he will get his comeuppance later in the year.
Next week's episodes see Geoff's daughter-in-law Sally start to turn against him, especially when she learns that he used an escort agency while he was with Yasmeen.
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Speaking about Geoff's reaction as his secret is revealed, Ian explained: "Publicly of course, he's ashamed and contrite. However, privately I don't think he has any shame or embarrassment about seeing escorts whatsoever.
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"His feeling is that he is a man who has needs, and the escorts take care of those needs for him.
"But Geoff's public image is what drives him. He has to be Mr Nice Guy – jolly Geoff, the life and soul."
Asked whether Geoff realises Sally is having so many doubts about him, Ian continued: "Over time, he learns that she is, so this causes a massive problem for him concerning Tim and the possibility that he might start to suspect that his dad is not what he appears to be.
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"Geoff has been feeling very sorry for himself, but to take any of the blame for what's happened would be to admit he's in the wrong, and he just doesn't operate that way. He always sees himself as the victim because then he has no need to question his own motives or behaviour.
"At the moment, he feels safe in the knowledge that Yasmeen is not in a position where she can say much of anything to anybody, so his main concern is to keep control of the story as it spreads out into the wider community. It's the gospel according to Geoff.
"And most notably, he wants to make sure that Tim is kept in the dark about what's happened. Tim is the only person, other than himself, that he really cares about."
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The show has previously hinted that Geoff has behaved in similar ways in other relationships. He often speaks negatively about Tim's mother, and was once arrested for affray after a clash with another partner.
Asked whether Geoff has done the same thing before, Ian replied: "Undoubtedly. And the past has a way of catching up with you, especially in soap!"
Coronation Street currently airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV.
Organisations including Women's Aid can provide further support and information on coercive control or coercive behaviour.
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