Life hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Jim McDonald in Coronation Street, and the same can be said for the actor who brought him to life. Charlie Lawson, who became a household name, has opened up in recent months about the challenges he’s facing away from the cameras.
A Soap Legend’s Struggles
Charlie Lawson, best known as Jim McDonald, first joined Corrie in 1989. His stormy marriage to Liz and clashes with son Steve kept viewers hooked for over a decade. After leaving in 2000, he returned for short stints, most recently in 2018. But 2024 hasn’t been kind to Charlie. Speaking on The Nolan Show, he admitted it had been his most unsuccessful year in 44 years of acting.
Charlie explained that with white hair and at 64, roles had dried up. He added that while he currently works with GB News, his contract needs renegotiation next year. At home, his wife Debbie runs a women’s refuge, while he spends time on field sports. He even joked about sitting in his living room in shooting gear because heating bills are so high. Last winter, the heat was on constantly but he warned this year it won’t be.
From Coronation Street to Café
Now Charlie has revealed a new side gig. Posting a clip on X, he welcomed fans to the Bridge 19 Café on the Macclesfield Canal. He explained the café runs on Saturdays and Sundays from breakfast until 2 p.m. He said he sometimes cooks there himself and invites fans to grab selfies while he’s serving food. Followers loved it, with one urging him to “keep up the great work.”
Charlie may have called this year the toughest of his career, but his café role shows he’s finding new ways forward. The love from Corrie viewers proves that even if he’s not on screen, he’s never forgotten. For now, fans might spot him by the canal instead of the cobbles but who knows if Jim McDonald could ever make a return. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for the latest Corrie updates and soap gossip.