Geoff Barnes - Character Creation and Development

Character Creation and Development

1994 was a "historic" year for EastEnders, as in April a third weekly episode was introduced. Due to the program’s increased frequency, a number of new characters were introduced to the regular cast. Among them was Geoff Barnes, a middle-aged lecturer at the University Michelle attended. The character was introduced in May 1994 under executive and series producers Leonard Lewis and Barbara Emile. Yorkshire born actor, David Roper, was cast in the role. Unlike the majority of the other regular characters, Geoff did not live in Walford, but in North London. Geoff formed a friendship with Michelle while assisting her with her University work and this later developed into a romance—a plotline that has been compared to the 1983 film Educating Rita. Michelle was a character who had a history of falling for older men and writer Colin Brake has commented on her relationship with Geoff in the book, EastEnders: The First Ten Years (published in 1994): “For the first time since Den, Michelle found herself attracted to a much older man. After years of disastrous relationships with men, who can say if she has made the right choice this time?”

Michelle’s relationship with Geoff proved to be one of her most enduring. They remained an on-screen couple for roughly 12 months. Storylines mainly focused on the characters class and age differences. Geoff's age was 53 at the time of his introduction, several years older than Michelle's father, Arthur. Geoff deviated considerably from all of Michelle’s former partners. He was portrayed as mature, dependable and secure. In an episode that aired in April 1995, Michelle’s mother Pauline comments that Geoff is “safe and secure” and a “steadying influence” on Michelle. She adds that Michelle “needs someone like him” as she has had “the most unsuitable boyfriends all her life” and she ought to settle down. Ultimately however, these traits in Geoff were the reason for the destruction of the relationship. Michelle frequently commented that the relationship lacked “passion” and although they planned to marry, Geoff realized that Michelle did not love him and “nobly” finished with her. Geoff remained a regular character for a year, and was eventually written out in April 1995, following his split from Michelle. The character returned for brief stints in September and October 1995, to aid the departure of Susan Tully, who left EastEnders after nearly eleven years playing Michelle.