The cobbles of Weatherfield are set to be shrouded in mourning as Coronation Street prepares to bid a final, off-screen farewell to one of its most polarizing legends. Jim McDonald, the fiery-tempered Irishman who first stomped onto the street in 1989, is officially being written out of the ITV drama. While the character hasn’t been seen in the flesh since 2018, his shadow has always loomed large over his son, Steve, and the upcoming episodes promise a heartbreaking conclusion to their turbulent relationship.

The drama begins when Steve McDonald receives a jarring phone call from his father’s landlord, demanding £1,800 in unpaid rent. The news only worsens when Steve learns through one of Jim’s former army comrades that his father is in the hospital with no hope of recovery. The revelation puts Steve in an agonizing position. Despite the years of betrayal and pain Jim caused—most notably the cruel “Katie” scam that nearly destroyed the family—Steve finds himself torn between his resentment and his conscience. Encouraged by his partner, Cassie Plummer, but cautioned by his ex-wife, Tracy Barlow, Steve eventually finds himself sitting in a car outside the hospital, paralyzed by the fear that entering might lead to a regret he can’t take back.

Tragedy strikes just as Steve begins to find a semblance of happiness. In a cruel twist of soap-opera fate, Cassie is secretly planning to propose to him. With the help of Tim Metcalfe, she organizes a romantic surprise in Victoria Gardens. However, just as she is about to ask the big question, Steve receives the call he dreaded: Jim has passed away. The proposal is instantly abandoned as Steve collapses in grief, the weight of his father’s complicated legacy finally crashing down.

While the Rovers Return raises a glass to Jim, the fallout of his death creates new ripples of tension. Tracy Barlow, ever the keen observer, notices Cassie’s unusually formal attire and a mysterious item slipped into Mary Taylor’s pocket. As Steve discusses funeral arrangements with Ben Driscoll, Tracy realizes that Steve is entirely unaware of the life-altering question Cassie was about to pose. Whether Tracy will use this information as a weapon or a peace offering remains to be seen.

The off-screen death of Jim McDonald has been met with mixed emotions by fans and the actor behind the character, Charlie Lawson. Lawson, who portrayed the “sober as a judge” patriarch for nearly three decades, acknowledged the decision on social media, describing the move as a tragedy for an iconic character but noting he had been aware of the plan since last year. He expressed a desire to “raise a glass to the original Jim,” celebrating the powerful storylines of the 1990s that defined his tenure.

As Steve McDonald navigates this profound loss, the street continues to churn with its usual brand of chaos. From Carla Connor discovering a surprise baby on her doorstep to Debbie Webster’s harrowing struggles behind bars, the residents of Weatherfield remain caught in a cycle of heartbreak and resilience. Yet, for many long-time viewers, the passing of Jim McDonald marks the end of an era—a final “so it is” for a character who was as unforgettable as he was deeply flawed.