Duration: 1989-2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014
Played by: Charles Lawson
2012 character poll position (men): 13
A former Irish soldier who was introduced as the head of the McDonald family who bought No11 from Alf and Audrey Roberts. Married to Liz for 28 years (on and off) and father to Steve and Andy and the late Katie. His marriage to Liz ended in 1996 when his temper got the better of him and he beat Liz up for having an affair with an army mate. They re-married in 2000 but Jim spent the marriage in prison and Liz called for a divorce in 2005. They attempted at a reconciliation in 2011 but to no avail. Many wish for them to reunite and run the Rovers together.
By trade, Jim had a number of jobs: builder, mechanic, barman and bar manager. He was in a building partnership with Bill Webster before Bill left for Germany in 1997.
Apart from Liz, Jim’s conquests included Fiona Middleton and Gwen Davies.
In 1998, Jim was confined to a wheelchair after falling in a brawl with Steve on scaffolding. He wrongly thought that he and Liz were to reunite when she cared for him, but in reality she was having an affair with his therapist Michael Wall.
In 2000, Jim sought revenge on Jez Quigley for nearly beating Steve to death. He beat Jez up and he died of his injuries. Jim was then jailed for manslaughter.
Over the next 14 years or so, Jim would re-appear on the show, either trying to escape prison, having been released from prison or back in prison again.
Jim was a stereotypical Irishman – liked his drink and also used many Irish sayings like ‘so it is’, ‘what about you?’ and calling characters with their full name – Elizabeth (Liz), Steven (Steve), Andrew (Andy), William (Bill), Michael (Mike) but called Alec Gilroy ‘Sandy’. His Irish dialect and his alpha male role has made him popular amongst fans.
Would you like Jim to make a permanent comeback?
Deirdre: A Life on Coronation Street - official ITV tribute to a soap icon. Available here.
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