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?
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6 comments:
I'd definitely like to see him back long term as I was really annoyed by the most recent portrayal of Jim as a villain. He was never a bad guy - barring the domestic violence with Liz, for which I make no excuse except to point out that he was not a serial wife-beater: it was a one-off moment of madness when provoked by Liz' betrayal - now I know I'll have people screaming at me that no violence against women is ever justified, with which I entirely agree, but we have to remember that these are not real people but fictional characters that writers can destroy with one ill-judged storyline. That is what they came close to doing to Jim last year, scheming to manipulate Peter Barlow and exploit his alcoholism. Steve's hostility towards his dad came out of nowhere too. Let's have him back as a regular alpha male guy. I want to see what he'd make of his idiosyncratic granddaughter!
I agree with Cobblestone that Jim's personality transplant was a step too far. As such, he wouldn't fit in to the Street now. As far as Jim's violence goes, which was not glorified, he was still portrayed as an attractive male which was why many viewers liked him. That was down to clever writing and terrific acting. Liz never came across as timid or scared of him so obviously their marriage worked at some level for a long time. It's good to have believable characters on the Street who provoke a variety of opinions. Sadly, there's no road back for Jim.
Always loved the chemistry between Liz and Jim. Looking at his appearance dates, I wonder if he's got the record for number of return appearances?
I don't want Jim to return,I've never been a huge of him compared to the rest of the McDonalds and I think he contributed to Steve's Depression having him back wouldn't help.I think his time has come and gone on the show.
Used to like him but once again they ruined a good character with daft storylines.
The most overrated character this show has to offer. Abusive, manipulative, violent and stupid. I have no idea how any woman in her right mind would find this idiot appealing.
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