It’s a dramatic week not just on-screen but also behind the scenes of Coronation Street. Jim McDonald, played by Charlie Lawson, is back in the spotlight—but this time, it’s not for his antics on the cobbles. The former soap star has shaken up the world of British soaps with some fiery revelations in his new autobiography, That’s Life, So It Is. From branding the show’s acting as “extremely average” to venting about his strained relationship with the production team, Charlie is not holding back. Let’s dive into the details.
“Extremely Average” Acting? Charlie Speaks His Mind
In an exclusive chat, Charlie Lawson didn’t mince his words when talking about Coronation Street. Describing the show’s acting as “extremely average,” he claimed it’s turning viewers away. This isn’t the first time he’s been critical, but his new autobiography lays it all bare.
In the book, Charlie shares how he was “desperate to leave” the soap back in 1999 due to his frustration with the production team. His disdain for one former producer is especially clear, writing that he had “neither respect nor anything for the man.” He added, “I was cajoled into another contract with this lot of amateurs at GTV, but even worse, I had to swallow my pride and stamp on my principles.” It’s clear that for Charlie, his time as Jim McDonald wasn’t all smooth sailing. As he admitted, “I hated every moment of playing Jim McDonald in the latter years.”
On the Brink of Quitting – And the Big Mistake He Regrets
Charlie also opened up about a moment when he nearly stormed into former producer Jane Macnaught’s office to quit. “For months now, I have been going through the motions of turning up and doing Jim McDonald and hating every moment of it,” he wrote. “On more than one occasion, I seriously considered taking the lift to the fourth floor, walking into Jane Macnaught’s office, and telling her to shove it up their a***s.”
However, he now regrets not following through. “The biggest mistake was that I did not take this action,” he revealed. Soon after, Charlie’s fate on the show was sealed. He was informed his contract would be renewed for just one year, during which his character would serve a prison sentence for the manslaughter of a drug dealer.
A Wage Cut and Imminent Bankruptcy
Charlie’s account also reveals the financial struggles he faced during his final days on the cobbles. He was told his renewed contract would come with a significant pay cut—around £14,000, escalating to £20,000 when factoring in other allowances. “That old phrase of Michael Le Vell’s, ‘Don’t take a wage cut for anyone,’ not only reared its ugly head but proceeded to assault and batter me,” he wrote.
Despite feeling hurt and betrayed, Charlie reluctantly agreed to stay on as Jim McDonald for one more year. Reflecting on this period, he said, “I was deeply hurt and angry. After a ten-year commitment of hard work and what I considered to be a valuable contribution, I was offered this insult.”
Why It Matters to Viewers
For fans of Coronation Street, Charlie Lawson’s revelations are bittersweet. On one hand, Jim McDonald was an iconic character who brought unforgettable drama to the cobbles. On the other, it’s clear that his final years on the show were fraught with tension, disappointment, and difficult decisions. As viewers, we can’t help but reflect on the challenges actors face behind the scenes of our favorite soaps. Charlie’s story reminds us that while the drama unfolds on-screen, there’s often just as much happening off-screen.
So, what do you think about Charlie’s comments? Did Jim McDonald’s story deserve a different ending, or do you believe the producers handled things fairly? Let us know your thoughts as we continue to follow the twists and turns of Coronation Street, both on and off the screen. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more exclusive updates on Coronation Street.
