Coronation Street is preparing to close the door on one of its most enduring and controversial figures, as ITV confirms that Jim McDonald will be killed off

in an upcoming storyline — marking the definitive end of a character who has been woven into the fabric of Weatherfield for more than three decades.

After 35 years on the cobbles, viewers will soon be forced to say goodbye to the hard-living, hot-tempered Irish patriarch played by Charles Lawson, in a move that has already sparked fierce debate among fans.

The decision, confirmed by show bosses, will see Jim’s death occur off-screen and feed directly into a major emotional arc for his son Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson). Already facing personal and romantic upheaval, Steve will now be plunged into fresh turmoil as he is forced to confront the loss of his father — a man with whom he shared one of the most volatile and defining relationships in Coronation Street history.

For many viewers, Jim McDonald is not just another character, but a symbol of classic Corrie storytelling. First arriving on the street in 1989, Jim quickly became known for his explosive temper, fierce loyalty, and deeply flawed humanity. Over the years, he was at the heart of some of the soap’s most unforgettable storylines, often blurring the line between villain and victim in a way that made him endlessly compelling to watch.

News of Jim’s death is set to air next month, and while the character has not appeared on screen for several years, confirmation that he will be permanently written out has hit fans hard. The move effectively shuts the door on any future returns, something many had quietly hoped might still be possible.

Coronation Street will kill off Jim McDonald

Charles Lawson, now 66, has responded publicly to the announcement, taking to social media to address his character’s fate. Posting on Instagram, the actor made it clear that while the news was emotional, it was not unexpected. He revealed that he had been informed of the decision last year and stressed that there was no bitterness toward the programme.

Jim McDonald’s exit, Lawson explained, was handled professionally, and he respected the confidentiality surrounding the storyline. Despite the shock for viewers, the actor insisted that he had long accepted the show’s decision and understood the narrative reasons behind it.

However, the situation became more charged after Lawson shared a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that his outspoken nature may have played a role in the timing and manner of Jim’s exit. The post reignited speculation that behind-the-scenes tensions may have influenced the decision — a theory that many fans were quick to embrace.

Social media was flooded with emotional reactions following the announcement, with long-time viewers expressing anger and disappointment over what they see as an unceremonious end for one of Corrie’s most iconic characters. One fan wrote furiously: “What an insult, not only to one of Corrie’s most iconic characters, but to one of the finest actors ever to grace the cobbles. You’re one of my all-time favourites and deserved better.”

Charles Lawson first joined Corrie in 1989

Lawson responded directly to the comment, striking a measured but telling tone. “Cheers, I’ve known since early September, but I’ve always respected the confidentiality of the programme,” he wrote. “It wasn’t a surprise when I was informed last year. Where would you put him?”

That question — where Jim McDonald could realistically fit into modern Coronation Street — cuts to the heart of the debate. The character had been largely absent since his final on-screen appearance in October 2018, when he and ex-wife Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) walked free after a dramatic legal saga involving fraud and deception. With Liz also gone from the street, Jim’s ties to Weatherfield had become increasingly tenuous.

Still, for many fans, killing Jim off entirely feels like a final, irreversible blow — particularly given the character’s immense legacy. Over 30 years, Jim was central to countless major storylines, from his tempestuous marriage to Liz, to his violent clashes with son Steve, one of which left him temporarily paralysed after a fall from scaffolding. His time on the show was defined by extremes: love and rage, loyalty and betrayal, comedy and tragedy.

Perhaps his darkest chapter came when Jim was imprisoned for the manslaughter of Jez Quigley, a storyline that cemented his status as one of Corrie’s most complex anti-heroes. Even when written as a villain, Jim remained layered and human, shaped by insecurity, pride, and a desperate need for respect.

Corrie fans shared their disappointment on social media

More recently, viewers will remember Jim’s final major arc involving a shocking scam that saw him con Liz out of thousands of pounds. Pretending that his girlfriend Hannah Gilmore was their late daughter Katie, Jim crossed a moral line that even long-time fans found difficult to forgive. Yet even then, the storyline reinforced what had always defined him: a man capable of terrible decisions, driven by fear and self-interest, but never lacking in emotional impact.

The decision to have Jim die off-screen has also drawn criticism, with some arguing that a character of his stature deserved a final appearance. Instead, his death will be felt through the reactions of those left behind — particularly Steve, whose complicated bond with his father has shaped much of his adult life.

For Steve, the loss promises to be deeply destabilising. Already navigating romantic turmoil and personal self-doubt, he will now be forced to grieve a father he loved, feared, resented, and never truly reconciled with. The storyline is expected to explore unresolved guilt and buried trauma, offering a poignant reflection on how fractured relationships continue to haunt us long after they end.

Away from Coronation Street, Charles Lawson has carved out a very different public presence in recent years. Since leaving the soap, he has become a regular contributor on GB News, where he has spoken candidly about politics, criticised “woke” culture, and discussed his struggles to secure acting work and maintain financial stability. His outspoken views have occasionally sparked controversy, adding another layer to the fan speculation surrounding Jim’s exit.

Despite the noise, Lawson’s own words suggest a sense of acceptance rather than bitterness. While some supporters believe the decision is punitive, the actor himself appears to view it as an inevitable closing chapter — one that reflects the realities of a long-running soap constantly evolving.

As Coronation Street prepares to air Jim McDonald’s off-screen death, it marks the end of an era for Weatherfield. Few characters have left such an indelible mark on the show, or inspired such passionate debate decades after their arrival. Love him or loathe him, Jim McDonald was pure Coronation Street — raw, messy, unforgettable.

And as fans brace themselves for the emotional fallout on screen, one thing is certain: when Steve McDonald buries his father, the cobbles will feel a little emptier than before.