Yasmeen: the jury’s verdict is in
The jury decides Yasmeen’s future – but Geoff’s wrath is far from over…
CORONATION STREET | ITV WEDNESDAY
It’s the Corrie story that has gripped the nation all year – and this week, Yasmeen’s fate is finally decided as she stands trial for attacking Geoff. Of course, it’s her abusive husband whom viewers really want to see brought to justice, following months of horror and torture that he has inflicted on poor Yasmeen.
Yet in what stands to be the biggest week of drama the cobbles has witnessed in years, this story takes a shocking twist. After a fire breaks out at No 6 Coronation Street – where Yasmeen has already suffered so much pain at the hands of Geoff – it seems that there can only be greater tragedy ahead…
Battle stations
First, there is the matter of the trial, which seems to have swung against Yasmeen…
“Geoff certainly thinks he has done enough for Yasmeen to be convicted,” reckons Ian Bartholomew, who plays the horrid man. “That is what he wants, as then he gets their house which he can sell to Ray, and move abroad with his new girlfriend, Christine. Now Geoff no longer has the support of Tim, he’s on his own and setting up his next chapter.”
For unrepentant Geoff, the opportunity for a fresh start is within touching distance – although for broken Yasmeen, putting herself back together could take years.
A good place to start would be for the courts to find her not guilty of attempting to murder Geoff, which of course was an act of self-defence.
But as the trial takes many twists and turns, nervous Yasmeen doesn’t fancy her chances of being acquitted.
“Yasmeen feels despondent; she won’t allow herself to be hopeful,” explains Shelley King, who takes up the story on behalf of her frightened alter ego. “She’s been in prison for such a long time now that part of her actually feels safe there, and she’s deeply concerned about having to leave and possibly confront this man. And despite the fact that the relationship she and Geoff had was a hugely destructive one, at times it was a loving, and a huge part of her life.
Yasmeen is deeply worried about having to leave prison” SHELLEY
“Yasmeen’s in a permanent state of dichotomy,” adds the star. “She knows how evil Geoff can be, but he has made her question herself. The facts are on his side, and it’s just whether the jury believes her or not.”
The Street burns!
The moment at which poor Yasmeen learns her fate is sure to have viewers leaping up out of their armchairs one way or the other – however, trust us when we say that the drama doesn’t end there!
After the verdict sends shock waves through the Street,
Geoff and Ayla face off, and the bonkers bloke attacks Yasmeen’s granddaughter at Speed Daal – before arming himself with a can of lighter fluid, and sloshing it all over No 6!
“The more Geoff loses control of everything around him, the more he loses control of himself,” explains Ian. “Ayla’s like a fly, and he just wants to swot her away, but she will not give up! Geoff’s desperate to keep control, even if that means resorting to violence. I’ve never really seen him as a killer, but I think he’s capable of physical damage when backed into a corner.”
Geoff’s last stand?
After the flames take hold, Geoff climbs on to the roof of No 6 with Ayla in hot pursuit. A nail-biting showdown ensues, and the dramatic scenes that follow will surely give the stunned locals plenty to talk about.
Will Geoff take the ultimate revenge on Yasmeen and her family? Or will he be suitably punished for his crimes?
“Alya’s like a fly, and Geoff wants to swot her away” IAN