Jim McDonald Coronation Street
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Charlie Lawson defends “insulting” Jim McDonald revenge baby swap storyline

There's been a backlash, so there has...

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Coronation Street have revealed that newcomer Hannah Gilmore is an imposter, and not the long-lost daughter of Jim and Liz McDonald after all.

In shocking scenes aired on Wednesday (12 September), Jim was exposed as the mastermind behind the scam, set to destroy Liz and son Steve and steal their money.

And fans were furious at the “insulting” storyline, which they say left them “disgusted”, “sickened” and “grossed out”.

Jim McDonald and daughter Hannah ITV
Hannah and Jim have revenge in mind… (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Corrie: Is battleaxe Evelyn the new Blanche? Fans thank so!

The storyline has caused controversy since day one, as fans were appalled to learn that Jim was returning to Weatherfield with Katie, now called Hannah.

Jim claims that she is the daughter he and Liz thought had died after a premature birth in 1992.

And he has DNA papers to prove it – but they are obviously fake.

Jim and Hannah kiss
Jim and ‘daughter’ Hannah shared a snog – ewww (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Corrie’s Sally Dynevor on her character facing jail

After emotional scenes where Hannah met her ‘mum’ Liz, tears from fans soon turned to anger as Hannah revealed her true intentions – she and Jim are lovers, planning to get payback on Liz.

As fans called out the storyline, Charlie Lawson has defended his character Jim, insisting he does feel guilt.

In an interview printed on Digital Spy, Charlie says: “Yes, he does [feel guilty]. He makes it very clear that he does feel guilty, but unfortunately the damage is done. Jim has made a terrible mistake and he’s done a horrible thing – and he’ll pay for it.”

The actor also reveals that Jim has his doubts about the cruel scheme when he sees his ex-wife.

He says: “If you keep watching, I think you’ll find that although Jim has gone along with it, he probably wasn’t the instigator of it. As soon as he sees Elizabeth, he realises that it’s a mistake and he doesn’t want her money.

“Jim just wants Liz back, but by that stage, he’s in too deep. It gives the character a sort of redemption, which is important. Jim’s never been a bad man, he just makes mistakes as every man does.”

Some fans might disagree with that statement, though!

Emotional scenes saw Liz meet her ‘daughter’ for the first time (Credit: ITV)

Explaining that Liz WILL find out, he adds: “When Liz finds out the truth, she’s bound to be broken-hearted and very disappointed in Jim. And why wouldn’t she be? She still clearly has feelings for him.”

The actor also added that the relationship between Hannah and Jim is “spooky” and that his return is – for now – temporary.

So it sounds like ITV viewers WILL get to see Jim’s comeuppance. Bring it on!

Would you like to see Jim McDonald return permanently? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Helen Fear
TV Editor

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