Quick Read
- Jim McDonald, a prominent Coronation Street character, will die off-screen in March 2026.
- Actor Charles Lawson, who played Jim for 37 years, confirmed the news, having known since September 2025.
- The death will significantly impact Jim’s son, Steve McDonald, creating a major new storyline.
- Jim’s ex-wife Liz McDonald, played by Beverley Callard, will not return for the storyline.
- The development comes amid budget cuts and staff restructuring for Coronation Street.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Jim McDonald, one of Coronation Street’s most iconic and controversial characters, is set to be killed off-screen in scenes airing on ITV in March 2026. The news of his demise will reach Weatherfield via a phone call to his estranged son, Steve McDonald, marking the end of a remarkable 37-year journey for the character and promising significant emotional upheaval for the long-running soap.
Portrayed by Fermanagh-born actor Charles Lawson, Jim McDonald debuted in 1989 and quickly became known for his volatile nature and dramatic storylines. His tumultuous marriage to Liz McDonald, his time in prison for the manslaughter of Jez Quigley, and an infamous scam involving a fake daughter, Hannah Gilmore, who he convinced Liz was their deceased child, are among his most memorable plots. Jim’s last on-screen appearance was in 2018 when he fled Weatherfield for Belfast after being exposed for swindling Liz out of thousands.
Jim McDonald’s Enduring Legacy on the Cobbles
Jim McDonald’s character has left an indelible mark on Coronation Street, embodying the role of a beloved bad boy. Over nearly four decades, he was at the center of numerous high-stakes narratives, including a period of temporary paralysis after a fall and an armed robbery that landed him back in prison alongside Peter Barlow. His sporadic returns, including for the show’s 50th anniversary in 2010, consistently reignited interest and drama on the cobbles.
Actor Charles Lawson confirmed his character’s impending death in a post on X (formerly Twitter) in early February 2026, stating he had known since September 2025 and had respected the program’s confidentiality. Lawson has since pursued other ventures, becoming a regular pundit on GB News and publishing his autobiography, That’s Life, So It Is, last year, where he candidly discussed the financial challenges and lack of acting roles he faced between major projects.
Impact on Steve McDonald and Weatherfield
The news of Jim’s death will profoundly affect his son, Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson, who is currently navigating a period of newfound happiness with Cassie Plummer. As a source told Radio Times, ‘Jim’s death will rock the boat for hapless Steve,’ forcing him to confront their complex, unresolved relationship. This storyline will be further complicated by the impending departure of Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie Plummer, later in 2026 to star in the UK tour of Annie. Her exit is expected to be part of a significant storyline, ensuring continued drama for the McDonald clan.
Liz McDonald, Jim’s former wife and a central figure in many of his storylines, will not return for this plot development. Actress Beverley Callard, who played Liz, departed Coronation Street in 2020 and is now starring in the Irish serial drama Fair City. Her character is said to be living in Spain with their son Andy, leaving Steve to grapple with his father’s death and their fraught history largely on his own.
Behind the Scenes at Coronation Street
The decision to kill off Jim McDonald comes amidst a period of significant change and challenge for Coronation Street. The world’s longest-running soap opera has faced budget cuts at ITV, leading to a reduction in episode counts from six to five per week, a change that took effect in January 2026. This move, framed by the broadcaster as a pivot to a new ‘Power Hour’ for soaps, followed reports in 2025 that up to 75 staff members, including writers, would depart the production due to a behind-the-scenes restructuring caused by financial constraints. While ITV denied claims of a wider cast exodus, the show has experienced several high-profile departures in recent years, including Helen Worth (Gail Platt), Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley), and Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw).
The off-screen death of Jim McDonald, a character deeply embedded in the show’s history, reflects Coronation Street’s ongoing strategy to leverage its rich past to drive current storylines, particularly amidst production adjustments and evolving viewership trends.