Diehard Coronation Street fans have seen Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) take a ton of grief from his volatile father Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson) over the years. But it’s Jim’s sudden death that will finally push him to breaking point.
Take a troubled and complex husband and father, add a dash of toxic masculinity, a hint of alcoholism, a pinch of violence, finish with a moustache and an Irish accent and you’ve got Jim McDonald.
First introduced in October 1989, Jim’s fiery temper and dysfunctional dynamic with his wife Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and sons Steve and Andy McDonald (Nicholas Cochrane) drove the dramatic yet relatable family stories that ensured his place in the Corrie Hall of legends with the likes of Ken Barlow (William Roache) and Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear).
Greatest hits include murdering ruthless drug dealer Jez Quigley (Lee Boardman) to save Steve’s life, recovering from paralysis after falling from a roof, and staging an armed robbery to buy the Rovers.
So Coronation Street viewers were shocked to hear the fan favourite would be killed off-screen as part of Steve’s long-term story. Now the tragic circumstances surrounding Jim’s passing and the full impact it has on his son can finally be revealed.
In tonight’s episode, Steve gets an unexpected call from his dad’s landlord, who is demanding £1800 in unpaid rent. Unfortunately for Steve, Jim put him down as a guarantor.
This is the focus of our new Corrie video as well, which sees Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) attempt to calm Steve down over the development.
When they conclude Jim more than likely forged Steve’s signature on the documents, Cassie tries to find a way that’ll prove their theory is correct.
Jim’s landlord seems to know a lot about Steve, so not paying it doesn’t really seem like an option.
Furious, Steve tries to get in touch with one of Jim’s old army mates, only to discover some troubling news. Confiding in his partner, Steve is rocked to learn that his Dad is in hospital and doesn’t have long to live.
Later in the week, Cassie urges Steve to visit his Dad, Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) disagrees and reminds Steve of all the grief Jim caused him.
To be fair, Tracy’s got a point. The last time Jim was in Steve’s life, he tried to scam Liz out of cash by pretending his younger girlfriend Hannah was actually their daughter Katie, who died shortly after birth in 1992. This sickening stunt was about as popular with Steve as it was with the fans.
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But family is still family, and against his better judgment, Steve has Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) drive him to the hospital car park to say his goodbyes.
However, even though it’s his last chance to put things right with his dad, Steve can’t help thinking that reconnecting is a bad idea. Will Steve go through with it?
Then when Ben invites Steve and Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) to join him at County Event, they head out for a day of fun. Steve returns to the Rovers and leaves his phone on the bar, unaware that his dad is trying to call him.
Will Steve miss his last chance to make amends with his old man?
