Life

Marie Louise McConville: Soaps tackling difficult subjects should not be criticised but applauded

Some viewers have complained to media watchdog, Ofcom about an ongoing storyline in Coronation Street in which character, Yasmeen Nazir is being tormented by twisted husband, Geoff Metcalfe
Some viewers have complained to media watchdog, Ofcom about an ongoing storyline in Coronation Street in which character, Yasmeen Nazir is being tormented by twisted husband, Geoff Metcalfe Some viewers have complained to media watchdog, Ofcom about an ongoing storyline in Coronation Street in which character, Yasmeen Nazir is being tormented by twisted husband, Geoff Metcalfe

My goodness. Some people are never happy, are they?

On the one hand we campaign for something and on the other, we complain when we get it.

I'm a bit in disbelief this week to find that a particular storyline in Coronation Street has prompted complaints from some viewers.

I am absolutely baffled as to why someone would complain about these particular scenes, given that, in my opinion, they are shedding light on an issue of great importance.

Fans of the soap will be aware of the storyline about Yasmeen Nazir who is being tormented by twisted husband, Geoff Metcalfe.

In upsetting scenes, the character has been left in tears due to her husband's controlling behaviour, including claiming that she was an alcoholic, confiscating her credit cards and forcing her to eat from the rubbish bin.

Four episodes of the soap between January 15 and February 5 sparked 146 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom.

A peak of 74 complaints came at the start of February, when viewers saw Yasmeen crying out in horror after Geoff trapped her in his magician's box.

Now, don't get me wrong, I admit these scenes are somewhat uncomfortable to watch but there's no way I would complain about them because of the good I believe they are doing.

This domestic violence storyline is quite rightly highlighting an issue which is affecting many among us behind closed doors.

Up and down the country, both women and men are living in fear of their partners and in some cases, they don't even understand they are victims of psychological torture.

While some have the courage to reach out for help, others don't even know where to start, choosing instead to live a life in the shadows.

It is only thanks to storylines like this one, featuring actress Shelley King and actor Ian Bartholomew, that the reality of domestic violence is shown and pathways to help are revealed.

Shelley King recently revealed that while these episodes are hard to film, they are doing something positive.

Speaking about the issue, she said: "...as we've gone on, both men and women, have gone on to identify or seen circumstances they can relate to.

"I've had a lot of direct messages on Twitter of women of all ages, and men as well, telling me some awful stories… people are becoming [more] aware".

Who could argue against this?

This is why I think it should be welcomed when soaps and programmes tackle difficult subjects like domestic violence.

While it is hard for us, the viewers, to watch, imagine what it must be like to live that every day?

As this controversial plot rumbles on, I applaud the bravery of Corrie in tackling this.

Hopefully it may prompt some real victims to seek help and that certainly is not something to complain about.

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Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey author E L James could be set for another theatrical treat.

Another book by world famous writer has been picked up by Universal.

The Mister, which was published in 2019, tells the story of British playboy Maxim Trevelyan, who inherits his family's prestigious title, and all of the wealth the title comes with.

However, his life is turned upside down with the arrival of a mysterious young Albanian housekeeper, Alessia Demachi, who he falls for.

Sounds like another one for the `must-see' list when it is released.

Count me in.

We can only hope Mr Dornan will be making another appearance.

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The winners of the Elave competition are Julie Mc Aleese, from Carnlough, Pat Duffy, from Omagh, and Brenda Fegan, from Burren