Fans Shocked to See Ian Bartholomew in a New Role
Soap opera villains often leave a lasting impression on viewers, and sometimes it's hard for fans to separate the actor from their notorious character. Such is the case for fans of "Wonka," who were surprised to see former "Coronation Street" star Ian Bartholomew in the film.
A Memorable Villain
Bartholomew played the villainous Geoff Metcalfe in "Coronation Street," a character involved in a hard-hitting storyline about domestic abuse. Viewers watched as Geoff psychologically abused his wife, Yasmeen Nazir, leaving her traumatized and struggling to trust again.
A Surprising Role in "Wonka"
Bartholomew recently appeared in the 2023 film "Wonka," alongside A-list actors Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, and Olivia Colman. However, fans of the long-running Manchester-based soap opera couldn't get over seeing the actor in a different role and took to social media to express their shock.
Fans Express Their Displeasure
Twitter was flooded with posts and comments from fans who couldn't separate Bartholomew from his villainous "Coronation Street" character. Some viewers were angry, while others were simply surprised to see him on the big screen. One person even mentioned Bartholomew's character's most despicable act, killing Yasmeen's beloved pet chicken, Charlotte Brontë.
What's Next for Ian Bartholomew?
Since leaving "Coronation Street," Bartholomew has focused on other projects, including musical endeavors. He released a track in support of Women's Aid in 2020 and even auditioned for "Britain's Got Talent" in 2022. Apart from "Wonka," he has also been cast in the Guy Ritchie film "Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre."
Conclusion
It can be challenging for actors to shake off the notoriety of a villainous soap opera character, and Ian Bartholomew is no exception. Fans of "Coronation Street" will have to get used to seeing him in different roles as he continues to pursue his acting career.
