Charlie Lawson Talks About the Changing Landscape of Coronation Street

Charlie Lawson, famous for his role as Jim MacDonald on Coronation Street, has made some revealing comments about the changes in the soap industry, especially in terms of political correctness and social issues. Speaking candidly on TalkTV, Lawson reflected on his time on the iconic ITV soap and how it has evolved over the years.

Lawson, who portrayed Jim MacDonald from 1989 until 2000 and made sporadic appearances after, discussed how much the industry has shifted since the 90s. He shared that the green room back then was “wild” and “sexist,” offering a stark contrast to the more politically correct environment seen today.

‘We’d All Be Fired Instantly’

According to Lawson, the atmosphere in the Coronation Street green room in the 90s was much different. He stated that it was “absolutely wild” and that if such behavior were to occur in 2025, “every single one of us would have been fired instantly.” He laughed off the comment, but it highlighted the dramatic shift in the industry, where political correctness is now a major factor in casting and on-screen behavior.

The Shift From Character-Driven to Issue-Driven Storylines

Lawson also reflected on how the soap opera landscape has changed in terms of storytelling. In the 90s, Coronation Street was focused on character-driven stories, with rich, layered characters at the forefront of the drama. According to Lawson, this has now shifted to “issue-driven” content. He explained, “It’s issue-driven now as opposed to when I was there in the 90s, it was character-driven.”

The actor pointed out that, although these issues are important, the approach to storytelling has fundamentally changed. He mentioned how today’s episodes are more about addressing various social issues—often with political correctness taking the lead—while in the past, the emphasis was on the characters’ development and their interpersonal dynamics.

Lawson’s Views on Wokery and Career Challenges

Lawson also shared his thoughts on what he described as “wokery” in the industry. While he acknowledged the importance of discussing social issues, he expressed concern about how the pressure to address these issues has influenced how shows are produced. He specifically referred to the increasing role of political correctness in the entertainment industry, saying that it has affected his own career opportunities, particularly when it comes to taking on certain roles.

However, Lawson made it clear that he remains open to returning to Coronation Street for “juicy storylines,” despite these challenges. His honesty and willingness to speak out about the industry’s evolution have sparked debate among fans and colleagues alike.

Financial Struggles and Lean Times

In addition to discussing the shifting landscape of Coronation Street, Lawson opened up about his financial difficulties in recent years. He admitted that he is going through a lean period, mentioning that last winter he struggled with heating costs and was forced to bundle up with his shooting gear just to stay warm. “You have lean times,” he said, emphasizing how financial difficulties have impacted his life.

Despite these challenges, Lawson continues to remain involved in his passion for field sports, which has kept him active and grounded during tough times.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Coronation Street and Lawson’s Legacy

Charlie Lawson’s reflection on Coronation Street offers a fascinating glimpse into how the soap has evolved over the years. While he recognizes the importance of addressing social issues, he also believes that character-driven stories are what truly made Coronation Street a beloved show.

As Lawson looks back on his career and the changes in the industry, he remains open to new opportunities. His insights into the transformation of TV storytelling, especially in soap operas, highlight the challenges that actors like him face as the industry continues to evolve.

It’s clear that Lawson’s legacy as Jim MacDonald will continue to resonate with Coronation Street fans, even as the show moves forward with new challenges and storylines.