Coronation Street Legend Jim McDonald to Be Killed Off in Off-Screen Death
Coronation Street fans are reacting with mixed emotions to the announcement that iconic character Jim McDonald, portrayed by actor Charlie Lawson, will be killed off in an off-screen death. The news, broken by Radio Times, confirms that the legendary figure who first appeared on the ITV soap in 1989 will meet his end next month, creating significant drama for his on-screen son Steve McDonald.
The Controversial Final Storyline That Divided Viewers
As news of Jim McDonald's impending demise circulates, fans have been revisiting what many consider his most controversial storyline during his final appearance in 2018. The plot saw Jim return to Weatherfield with a woman he claimed was the daughter he and ex-wife Liz McDonald had lost shortly after birth decades earlier.
This emotional deception was later revealed to be a complete fabrication, with Jim and his accomplice Hannah orchestrating an elaborate scheme to extract money from Liz. The pair were arrested for their crimes but avoided sentencing due to insufficient evidence, leaving their whereabouts unknown to this day.
Fan Backlash Against the 'Grotesque' Plot Development
The storyline, introduced by then-producer Kate Oates, has drawn substantial criticism from long-term Coronation Street viewers. On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, fans have expressed their displeasure with the narrative direction.
One passionate viewer wrote directly to Charlie Lawson: "It was grotesque. Whoever thought up that storyline had a warped mind, astonished it got beyond a ridiculed idea. Felt for Charlie Lawson having to act that out knowing how character's legacy was being tarnished in that vile way."
Another fan echoed these sentiments, stating: "Yes, it was terrible, not least because it showed how little the writers knew about their own character! As an experienced actor, Charlie would have known him inside out! It was so lazy and weak and just didn't make any sense!"
Character Inconsistency and Legacy Concerns
Further criticism focused on perceived inconsistencies in Jim McDonald's character development. One fan analyzed: "Started thinking about Jim McDonald's absolutely dreadful 2018 stint in Corrie. His whole thing is that he wants his family together and damned be anyone who gets in his way. But the 2018 storyline is him going for revenge against Liz in the most hurtful way he can."
The fan continued with character analysis: "Like even when he hit her in the 90s, that was in response to her confessing to an affair. Which is him seeing her as trying to break them apart. In that moment he's not thinking how could you do that to me, he's thinking how could you do that to us."
Another viewer offered comparative criticism: "Absolutely atrocious story. It was actually even worse than when he robbed the bank. As silly as that was, at least A/ it was entertaining B/ it was more in character for Jim. This was the worst one of them all and ruined the character and the fact that they are not giving him a redemption is awful."
The Final Chapter for a Soap Opera Icon
Jim McDonald's character arc spanned nearly four decades, featuring multiple exits and returns to the cobbles. Originally introduced as the husband of Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald and father to Steve and Andy McDonald, Jim became known for his criminal tendencies and frequent incarcerations.
He married Liz twice before their final separation in 2005, with his last appearance occurring in 2018 during the controversial storyline that fans are now revisiting. According to sources, his off-screen death will "rock the boat" for son Steve McDonald, who has recently found happiness with Cassie Plummer.
Notably, actress Beverley Callard, who portrayed Liz McDonald, will not be returning for the storyline despite her character's deep connection to Jim. Actor Charlie Lawson is reportedly aware of his character's fate, though he hasn't appeared on the soap for eight years.
Fan Reactions to the Character's Demise
The announcement of Jim McDonald's death has generated significant discussion among Coronation Street enthusiasts. One shocked fan exclaimed on social media: "JIM MCDONALD IS BEING KILLED OFF?"
Another expressed disappointment with the creative decision: "What on earth. Killing off Les for no reason was bad enough, but Jim is one who's spanned 30 years and there is still life in the character. This feels like just the latest middle finger to long-term viewers."
As Coronation Street prepares to write the final chapter for one of its most enduring characters, fans continue to debate the legacy of Jim McDonald and the controversial storyline that marked his last appearance on the world's longest-running television soap opera.
