Coronation Street’s Geoff Metcalfe actor Ian Bartholomew releasing a single for Women’s Aid

CORONATION Street star Ian Bartholomew is releasing a single to raise money for Women's Aid.

The actor - who plays abusive Geoff Metcalfe in the ITV soap - wrote the song after playing the villain in the soap and finding a need to help real-life survivors.

Ian said: "A great deal of research has gone into the Geoff and Yasmeen storyline.

"Women’s Aid visited us several times at the Coronation Street studios, with survivors of domestic abuse, making a huge impact on how we told the story.  

"I followed up with further research trying to understand why perpetrators of domestic abuse behave in the way they do.

"The more I found out, the more I wanted to help shine a spotlight on this appalling crime.

"Even more so after I found out that women all over the country were asking for help from Women’s Aid – many saying that it was because of what they were watching on their TV screens."

This Time It’s Forever has been produced by James F Reynolds, who has also produced songs for Paloma Faith, and Jessie J and The Vamps.

The video - which was directed by Ian's wife Loveday Ingram - features real-life survivors of domestic abuse including television presenter Charlie Webster and Strictly star Katie Piper.

Women's Aid spokeswoman Teresa Parker said: "Both Ian and his wife Loveday have become valued supporters of Women’s Aid over the past year, and we thank them so much for this incredible song and video.

"We know from the messages we receive from survivors what a huge impact the Geoff and Yasmeen Coronation Street storyline is having on awareness of coercive control.

"When women who have been watching the coercive control storyline tell us that, after being in a relationship with their abusive partner for nearly five decades, they are now seeking help, it becomes clear that storylines raising awareness of domestic abuse can help change lives – and save lives. 

"We thank Ian, Loveday, and all of the survivors who gave their time to appear in the music video, for making this possible. We hope that people listen and share this important song, and if they can, donate on the fundraising page."