Coronation Street Set to Kill Off Classic Character After 35+ Years

Coronation Street bosses are preparing to kill off one of the soap’s most iconic figures in a storyline that will unfold off-screen, marking the end of an era for Weatherfield.

The long-standing character Jim McDonald, who first appeared on Coronation Street back in 1989, will be declared dead in scenes scheduled to air next month on ITV.

Portrayed by actor Charlie Lawson for more than three decades — with recurring returns until 2018 — Jim became one of the show’s most unforgettable anti-heroes, known for his volatile relationships, criminal escapades, and turbulent family ties.

According to reports, Weatherfield’s residents will learn of Jim’s death through narrative developments rather than seeing the event on screen — meaning his passing will be revealed in dialogue and reactions rather than flashbacks or direct scenes.

The storyline will have a significant impact on his on-screen son, Steve McDonald, who will be called in to deal with the news and all the unresolved tension that comes with it.

Jim’s history on the cobbles is rich with drama: he was involved in numerous high-stakes plots, including criminal activities, brushes with the law, and deeply fractured relationships with family members like Liz and Steve. Over the years, his unpredictable nature and troubled past made him both feared and compelling as a character.

Jim’s final appearance on Coronation Street came in 2018, and although the character has been absent from regular episodes since then, his death closes the door on future returns and cements his long-running legacy.

Fans have already responded with mixed emotion to the news: some feel nostalgic about the iconic character, while others note that his absence from the show for years makes the decision feel less dramatic than past exits. Regardless, the announcement marks a significant moment for the soap’s history and for long-time viewers who have followed Jim’s complicated journey over more than 35 years.