Long-time fans of Coronation Street have been left uneasy after recent updates from a beloved former cast member. While his on-screen days may be behind him, his off-screen situation has now grabbed everyone’s attention, leaving many concerned and eagerly waiting for answers.
A Familiar Face With a Troubled Past
Charles Lawson, a familiar face to millions as Jim McDonald, has had a bittersweet experience on the Coronation Street cobblestones. He initially joined the show back in 1989 and remained for more than a decade. Lawson‘s acting as Jim—husband to fiery Liz and father of Steve and Andy—solidified his position as an institution during Coronation Street’s golden years.
Though Jim bowed out as a regular character in 2000, Lawson returned for a number of guest appearances between 2003 and 2018. Perhaps the most sensationalized storyline was Jim‘s surprising 2018 return, when he informed Liz that their allegedly deceased daughter Katie was alive. In a dramatic twist, it was revealed to be a heartlessscam plotted with his considerably younger girlfriend, breaking Liz and the family’s trust.
Apart from acting, Lawson has remained outspoken in his opinionsand frequently presented as a commentator on GB News. His abrasive opinions have generated debate, particularly when he questioned whether soaps such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale would survive.
In January, whilst on a radio program, Lawson admitted he didn‘t think the ITV soap would endure for another decade. He noted that ratings were no longer anywhere close to the 15 to 21 million it usedto draw, and said declining advertising revenue could ultimately bethe demise of long-running soaps. He also criticized the show for devolving from being “character driven“ to “issue driven,” and statedthere‘s now an aspect of “wokery“ and political correctness that wasn‘t there when he was on the show.
Coronation Street Actor Lawson Speaks from Hospital
In a development that has shocked his fans, Charles Lawson recently announced he had been taken to A&E. Taking to X, Lawson posted a hospital video update, saying a trip to the physio had taken a surprising turn.
He said that his physiotherapist straight away sent him to A&E after the session. After an initial assessment and an MRI scan, the doctorsrequested that he remain for further tests. He said that he had hadtwo falls and so there were fears that something was seriously wrong.
In his video, Lawson further stated that he had been provided with a wristband and was also undergoing further tests. Though he did not appear to be in immediate distress, he admitted things were not going so well. However, he assured his followers that he would keep them posted.
His friends and fans soon filled the comments section with good wishes, wishing him a quick recovery. Lawson’s fan base, both from his on-screen and off-screen work, will no doubt tune in to see him. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest news about your favorite stars on Coronation Street and behind-the-scenes scoop.
