Coronation Street Shocks Fans With Jim McDonald Death

For viewers of Coronation Street, the news that a beloved character is about to exit the show—albeit off-screen—has sent ripples through the fan community and the fictional streets of Weatherfield alike. On February 3, 2026, multiple outlets including Radio Times and The Mirror confirmed that Jim McDonald, the iconic Ulsterman who first appeared on the soap in 1989, will be declared dead in episodes airing next month. This marks the end of a remarkable 37-year journey for the character, portrayed by Fermanagh-born actor Charles Lawson from 1989 until his last appearance in 2018.

Jim McDonald’s legacy is nothing short of dramatic. Over nearly four decades, he was at the center of some of the soap’s most memorable and controversial storylines. Fans will recall his tumultuous marriage to Liz McDonald, his time in prison for the manslaughter of Jez Quigley, and the infamous scam in which he convinced Liz that their daughter was still alive, with the help of Hannah Gilmore. In his final scenes, Jim left Weatherfield for Belfast after he and Hannah were caught red-handed by Liz, having swindled her out of thousands. Since then, Jim has been absent from the cobbles, and his relationship with his son Steve McDonald—played by Simon Gregson—remained unresolved.

The news of Jim’s off-screen death will reach Weatherfield via a phone call to Steve, who is left deeply conflicted. According to Radio Times, the father and son parted on bad terms, and Steve’s reaction to the loss is expected to be a focal point of the upcoming episodes. As one source told Radio Times, "Jim's death will rock the boat for hapless Steve, who has finally found happiness with Cassie Plummer in the wake of wife Tracy cheating with football hero Tommy Orpington." The storyline promises to explore the complex emotions that arise when unresolved family relationships are cut short by tragedy.

Notably, Beverley Callard, who played Liz McDonald and left the cobbles in 2020, will not be returning for the storyline. According to Radio Times, Liz’s character is said to be living in Spain with their son Andy, while Callard herself has moved on to star in the Irish serial drama Fair City. This absence will leave Steve to confront his father's death—and their fraught history—largely on his own.

Actor Charles Lawson, whose portrayal of Jim McDonald became a staple of the show, has been aware of his character’s demise for some months. In a post on X, Lawson shared, "I’ve known since early September, but I’ve always respected the confidentiality of the programme. It wasn’t a surprise, when I was informed last year." Lawson’s career outside Coronation Street has also been prolific, with roles in The Bill, Doctors, Casualty, Holby City, and Dark Heart. Recently, he has become a regular pundit on GB News and published his autobiography, detailing the challenges of life as an actor between major roles.

The decision to kill off Jim McDonald has not been without controversy among long-time fans. Social media reactions have ranged from shock to disappointment, with some viewers lamenting the loss of a character who “spanned 30 years and there is still life in the character.” Others have expressed frustration that the death will occur off-screen, feeling it deprives both the character and the audience of a fitting farewell. As one fan posted, "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."

The timing of Jim’s death adds another layer of drama to the McDonald family saga, as Steve has only recently found new happiness with Cassie Plummer. Yet, even this storyline is poised for upheaval. Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie, is set to leave the show later in 2026 to star as Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of Annie, which kicks off on May 23 and travels through numerous cities including Wimbledon, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, and Belfast. Sweeney’s exit will reportedly be marked by a significant storyline, ensuring that the Plummer-McDonald dynamic continues to be a source of intrigue for viewers until summer.

Meanwhile, other Weatherfield residents are facing their own challenges. Shona and David Platt, new parents to baby Harper, have been anxiously awaiting news about their daughter’s health. After a tumour was discovered on Harper’s neck during a routine scan, she underwent delicate surgery and was placed in NICU to recover. The latest updates confirm that Harper is now stable enough for a second operation, scheduled for early March. Harper’s name is a tribute to Dr. Vincent Harper, the visiting surgeon from Bristol who stepped in when Shona’s regular doctor was stuck in Lithuania. Dr. Harper quickly became a fan favorite, but actor John Hollingworth, who played the role, will not be returning to Coronation Street.

As Weatherfield prepares for these seismic changes, the show continues to air weeknights at 8:30 pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX, ensuring that fans can keep up with every twist and turn. For those seeking even more behind-the-scenes insight, the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine offers weekly interviews, spoilers, and in-depth analysis of the biggest stories from Coronation Street and beyond.

Jim McDonald’s death marks the end of an era for Coronation Street, closing the chapter on a character whose presence shaped the show for nearly four decades. As Weatherfield’s residents and viewers alike grapple with the loss, the soap’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance nostalgia with fresh drama—reminding everyone that, on the cobbles, change is always just around the corner.