Big Jim McDonald returns so he does

[alan45]

Here's yer link so it is Big lad

http://www.facebook.com/FreeJimMcDonald

[alan45]

...

[Perdita]

CORRIE star Charlie Lawson says he's happier living a farmer's life than acting - as there's less "bull****".
Charlie, who has played Jim "So It Is" McDonald on and off since 1989, reckons soap acting is no longer fun, and bosses treat actors like kids.

He now prefers working with partner Debbie Stanley, 45, in their farm shop in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Charlie, 51 - who shoots game for the store on 900 acres he co-owns in Scotland - said: "I wouldn't say farming's taken over our lives but it's become important to Debbie and we enjoy working together immensely.
"It gives me an opportunity to say no to things that I don't want to do. Because there's nothing worse after 35 years of doing things you don't want to bloody do.

"The acting business has changed a great deal since I started. Everyone who's in the business recognises that.

"There's very little time for any fun any more. It's all got a bit serious.

"It's frowned upon if you have a glass of wine.

"Don't get me wrong, I work my a*** off but I do like to relax and not be talked to as if I am a child.

"Farming is infinitely better. There's no bull******* with meat." Charlie's first stint on Corrie as Ulsterman Jim lasted 11 years - during which time his "So It Is" catchphrase became famous.


So it Liz ... Jim and missus
He has since returned for brief spells. Only two weeks ago viewers saw him get collared robbing a bank trying to raise money to help ex-wife Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) buy the Rovers Return.
Charlie told of the gruelling schedules endured by actors like Simon Gregson - Charlie's on-screen son, Steve McDonald. He said: "Everybody works extremely hard on Corrie and I never cease to be amazed by the quality of the work, and I take my hat off to them.

"Simon Gregson, who I love dearly and is a very good friend of mine, some of the hours he puts in are quite extraordinary. No one out in the real world would dream of doing them - 75 or 80 hours a week. Week in, week out. They just wouldn't accept it.

"But really the writing is key. If the writing is good you don't mind doing the scenes. If it's c*** then you want to run a mile.

"Simon's very lucky and I was very lucky. I was in there permanently for 11 years, ten of which were absolutely brilliant.

"The last one was rubbish and you can't really complain about that. Statistically that's a pretty good run. Whenever I go back it's well-written for me. We're very lucky, the McDonalds."

Charlie admits he would not turn down another brief Corrie stint.

And he is flattered by a new Facebook group called "Free Jim McDonald. He's Innocent, So He Is" which has attracted 40,000 fans.

Charlie said: "I knew nothing about Facebook. Debbie stumbled across it.

"It's very flattering and fun. I've been in this business 35 years. I'm long in the tooth and wise enough to know that producers don't listen to people on Facebook so that's not in my way of thinking. But I'm sure they are aware of it.



"But I'm delighted with it. I've always been proud of the character, you know."
And Jim's upcoming stint behind bars does not mean he is out of the running for a return to Weatherfield, according to Charlie.

He said: "Let's not forget we are in Never Never Land and Tracy Barlow suddenly appeared after being found guilty of murder.

"Bobby Ewing could leap out of that shower, you never know."

Jim's ex Liz has recently left the Street, after actress Bev Callard, 54, quit, citing exhaustion at the filming schedule.

Charlie said: "I wish Beverley very well. But she's a bit of a homing pigeon so I wouldn't write her off. As they say, as long as you're not dead, you're all right."


The Sun

[alan45]

Big Jim Compilation

[Perdita]

Jim McDonald is returning to Coronation Street.

The bad boy character, played by Charlie Lawson, will make a comeback later this year for an initial three-month period.

Jim robs the building society
© ITV
Jim robs the Building Society

Charlie had a fiery relationship with wife Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and was last seen in the ITV soap in 2011 when he was sentenced for seven years after attempting to rob a Building Society to give Liz enough money to buy the Rovers Return.

He now runs a farm shop in Prestbury with long-term partner Debbie Stanley and is expected to create tension for Liz upon his return to the cobbles.

McDonald was a regular in Corrie for 11 years between 1989 and 2000. He has made infrequent appearances since.

He will return to screens in July.

[owenlee4me]

Good stuff, JIm is always worth watching, so much better than some in the soap (are you listening Nick "Mr Frown FAce")

[swmc66]

Makes me laugh jim robbing the bank without any thought of a disguise. They keep bringing him back but what about Steve's other twin?They could always bring another actor to play his brother again.

[Dazzle]

...what about Steve's other twin?They could always bring another actor to play his brother again.

That's a good idea, it'd be great for Steve to have his both his father and twin back.

[owenlee4me]

Ah but Andy was grim and bit of a moron, he's no miss really, least Jim is Daft ha ha

[swmc66]

Maybe corrie producers can do the personality transplant they are so regular do these days