Sally Dynevor
It is important for Geoff Metcalfe to have people believe that he is a victim in the domestic abuse storyline in Coronation Street. However, Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe in the soap, tells us why she is having her doubts
It has been a dark time on the Corrie cobbles of late for Sally, thanks to the behaviour of her father-in-law, Geoff. Julie Lordan talks to actress Sally Dyvenor to find out more
The domestic abuse drama in Coronation Street has culminated in Yasmeen Metcalfe being held in prison for attempted murder of her husband Geoff. She did indeed stab him, of that there is no doubt. But what the neighbours and friends (apart from her granddaughter, Alya) believe is that poor Geoff did nothing to provoke this attack. Of course, viewers know better: for months we have seen how Geoff emotionally abused and terrified Yasmeen, ending in him holding a knife to her throat minutes before she stabbed him with a broken bottle. Geoff is now staying at his son Tim’s house, but Tim’s wife Sally is beginning to question Geoff’s version of events. She has niggling doubts about what happened and what she witnessed between Yasmeen and Geoff. Listening to his side of things, she is feeling very uncomfortable with the situation. And it doesn’t help to have Geoff under her roof. As Sally Dynevor explains: “Sally (Metcalfe) is finding out all these little details about Geoff but at home she cannot say anything. So she decides to visit Yasmeen in prison. She doesn’t tell Tim she is going, or Geoff – that comes out later – but she’s doing this secretly because she wants to get all the facts before she takes sides. She knows that it could be detrimental to her marriage.”
It is probably because of her relationship with Tim (Geoff’s son) that she realises that it is best for Geoff to move out. “Yeah, and Tim’s really not happy about it. Tim thinks that Geoff is in desperate need and we should be supporting him and looking after him and Sally says no, that she just doesn’t believe him. But Tim at this point just doesn’t seem to be listening to Sally. He’s supporting his dad, and from that point of view, you can understand both sides really,” says Sally.
It’s not just because she likes Yasmeen and doesn’t like Geoff. It’s just that she thinks there is more to the story, and she believes Yasmeen has a side to tell. “Sally herself has been in prison and she doesn’t want Yasmeen to be in there any more. She knows that she is innocent, and I think when we go back [to filming] and get the scripts, I’m really hoping that Sally helps and fights for her. I think it might make them even closer because Yasmeen and Sally have this funny relationship. They really care about each other, but then every now and again, they have these quirky sort-of rows. Deep down they’re both quite similar, and so I’m hoping this will make them really close,” says Sally.
When Eileen Grimshaw starts to question Geoff’s status as innocent victim, it makes Tim think again about where he stands on the issue. “Tim’s not really listening to Sally, but listening to someone like Eileen who is not part of the family, is different” says Sally. “Actually, Tim is disgusted that his dad has been with prostitutes; he can’t believe it and is as shocked as anyone.”
Because there has been a break in filming, it is not only viewers who are curious about where this story is going, but the cast too. “I have no idea where they are going to go with this. I’m really hoping that it puts a massive strain on the relationship between Tim and Sally! I can’t wait to get more scripts, actually, to find out how this will affect their marriage. We were at such a pinnacle moment in the story when production completely stopped. It’s going to be interesting to see Sally and Tim’s take on it. Of course, Tim knows that loyalty won’t stop Sally getting at the truth and exposing Geoff. “Oh absolutely. Because she has been in that position as well, it’s really important for Sally that she gets to the truth as I think she is just so shocked by the situation,” says Sally. “I think she would be prepared to risk her marriage as she could not live with someone who is OK with some of the issues that have been raised. So, I think Sally would go far to defend Yasmeen because she is so upset about it and determined to help her, even to the detriment of her own relationship. “
The longer the situation goes on, the more certain Sally is to do the right thing. “Yes, I’m going to do everything I can for Yasmeen and Tim is going to have to come to the realisation that his father is an abuser,” says Sally, without hesitation.
As filming has now resumed on Coronation Street, it won’t be too long before we see that Sally means business.
9.30pm RTÉ 2
This new series’ titular event was a huge occasion for a hungry Republic of Ireland squad, as it marked our rst appearance at a major soccer tournament.
It’s a triple bill of retrospective action this evening, as Darragh Maloney and guest Ronnie Whelan – who was a part of the squad at the memorable event – re ect on the team’s historic rst appearance at the Euros.
Then, at 10.30pm, we get highlights of Ireland’s famous win over England in Stuttgart.
Finally, at 11.30pm, a chance to see the UEFA lm about a tournament we will never forget.