'INCREDIBLE'
Coronation Street fans staggered as evil Geoff Metcalfe star proves he has the voice of an angel in new single
CORONATION Street star Ian Bartholomew has shocked fans with his incredible voice on a new charity single.
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 of domestic abuse.
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The song is called This Time It's Forever and is in support of Women's Aid.
After the single dropped, Corrie fans immediately took to Twitter to express their awe at the song, and Ian's incredible voice.
One fan tweeted: "Wow! Ian has such an incredible voice & it’s such an emotional song. The video had me in tears. Truly angelic'
Another said: "What a voice who knew eh. Well done Ian you’ve played a fantastic part and hopefully been instrumental in women (and men) coming forward to report their abusers."
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This one tweeted: "Just wow, I’m stunned and in shock of such a beautiful voice and powerful song. Yep I had tears and it just makes u realise how lucky we are not to live or witness it."
While another commented: "This is stunning by the way. He has an amazing voice. But I guess doing musicals, he must have. Well done Ian and all involved. This is just beautiful and the video made me cry. Very emotional."
Talking about the single, and his domestic abuse story on Corrie, actor Ian said: "A great deal of research has gone into the Geoff and Yasmeen storyline.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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."
- If you are worried that your partner, or that of a friend or family member, is controlling and abusive, go to for support and information, including Live Chat, the Survivors’ Forum, The Survivor’s Handbook and the Domestic Abuse Directory. Live Chat is open from 10 am – 4 pm on weekdays and 10am-12pm on weekends for confidential expert support from specialised support workers.
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