Coronation Street reveals challengings for Yasmeen in new romance

Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Coronation Street has recently hinted at a potential romance blossoming between Yasmeen Metcalfe and Stu Carpenter, something producer Iain MacLeod has confirmed that the soap will explore going forward – but it's not as simple as that.

A recent off-hand comment made by Stu triggered painful flashbacks of the abuse Yasmeen suffered at the hands of her evil late husband Geoff, and MacLeod told Digital Spy and other outlets that the spectre of Geoff is still very present in Yasmeen's life. So much so that the thought of a romance with Stu will have Yasmeen looking inward.

ITV

"We like the idea of exploring Yasmeen's psychology after the Geoff story," he said. "It'd be easy to just go: 'Right, yes, done. Now let's move on to the next thing with Yasmeen.' In reality, it's such a colossal bomb that fell on her emotionally and psychologically that it would have life-long after-effects. We wanted to explore that in a way that didn't feel like re-treading old ground."

He continued: "It's a question of whether Yasmeen can trust again. Is her psychology regarding relationships and friendships irrevocably damaged, or can she find a way through that?

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"The story focuses on burgeoning romance, Yasmeen's lack of self-esteem, and that giving way to the realisation that this man genuinely really likes her. Then the big question mark is whether she can get past the damage Geoff did and embrace a happy future."

Speaking a bit more about how Stu himself affects Yasmeen, MacLeod shared that "Bill Fellows, who plays Stu, is really characterful and funny" who the team imagines "being a bit like what Peter Barlow might be if he was in his mid-60s. So he's a little bit rough and ready – he likes carousing and causing trouble and is generally a bit of a firecracker going off in Yasmeen's front room."

ITV

He noted that "will have its own challenges for Yasmeen, especially as some of his behaviours, which we will know are entirely benign and born of hijinks, will suddenly resemble some of the things Geoff did".

Although it looks like it might take a long time, could we really see Yasmeen in a happy relationship with Stu after all she's been through?

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm on ITV.