Coronation Street has reached the decision to kill off one of its most famous characters, more than 35 years after he made his debut on the cobbles.

Jim McDonald will die off-screen as part of a new story for Steve (Simon Gregson), who will face an emotional dilemma.

The story will unfold next month, as per storylines seen by Metro.

And Charles Lawson, one of the staples of the show in the 90s particularly, has insisted that he is okay with his alter ego being axed.

He responded to X users, confirming that there are no hard feelings with the show, and that they informed him of their decision last September.

However, in a separate post, he put the decision down cryptically to ‘politics’.

Outspoken on social media and a regular contributor on GB News, Charles is perhaps more known these days for sharing his views rather than his time as Jim.

He has also been candid on financial difficulties and lack of job offers.

The father of Andy and Steve, and husband to Beverley Callard’s Liz, will pass away, causing mixed feelings for Steve.

While it is unknown whether Nick Cochrane will reprise his role as Andy for the story, it has already been ruled out, as first reported by Radio Times, that Bev will make a comeback as Liz, given her new long-term role in Shortland Street.

It’s not the only exit centred around Steve either, with Claire Sweeney making the tough decision to quit the show after three years in order to take a stage role in Annie.

A spokesperson for Corrie told Metro: ‘We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play.

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‘Cassie will be on the cobbles until the summer during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield leading up to a great exit storyline.’

As for Jim, he was notable for being overly protective of his family and, over time, the show went on to focus more and more on his temper.

In some of the show’s most controversial scenes, Jim was seen hitting Liz during a nasty argument.

He was also at the centre of many a Corrie brawl, as well as being seriously injured in a clash with son Steve which led him to plunging from scaffolding.

Later, to get gangster Jez Quigley out of Steve’s life, Jim brutally beat him to death and was then jailed.

He made several short comebacks over the years, meeting Peter Barlow in prison and also committing armed robbery.

His last notable – and very sour-taste leaving storyline – came when he conned Liz into believing their lost child was alive.

It is one of fans’ most despised plotlines of all time, with many taking to X sad that this may end up as Jim McDonald’s legacy.

MORE: Coronation Street’s Liz McDonald legend lands a surprising new soap role

Police would like to identify the man pictured in relation to a theft which occurred in South Moor, Stanley, on Wednesday, January 14.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Officers are looking to identify this man in relation to a theft which occurred in South Moor on January 14, 2026.

Anyone who can assist with this investigation, contact the officer in case, PC 9320 Bowes via 101 ext 209320 or via email: scott.bowes1@durham.police.uk – please quote crime ref: CRI00659201.

One of the convicted child murderer’s friends features throughout the new Netflix documentary

A letter Lucy Letby sent to one of her friends after being found guilty in court has been revealed in a new Netflix documentary.

Titled The Investigation Of Lucy Letby, the documentary about the convicted child killer was released globally on Wednesday morning (February 3).

Featuring ever-before-seen footage of the nurse during her arrest and questioning, as well as new testimony from police and contributions from the mother of one of the victims.

Some of the names, appearances and voices were altered from interviews conducted, with some interviewees digitally anonymised. This is to maintain their anonymity following the 90 minute film’s release

Letby, 36, from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. It was confirmed last month that Letby will face no further charges over additional deaths and collapses of babies that were investigated by police.

One person featured throughout the documentary is a friend of Letby’s named Maisie, a fellow nurse who she met when they attended the same University.

The nurse, who is one of the people digitally anonymised, had placement with Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital and defended her at several points in the film.

Towards the end of the documentary, Maisie reveals that she and Letby would write letters to each other ‘up until the trial and the verdict’. She said: “I would always try to be positive and now I don’t know what to say.”

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Reading a letter Letby sent her, Maisie said: “Maisie, there are no words to describe my situation, knowing that I have your friendship regardless is so important and special to me.

“I have my own room and toilet. I’m able to shower each day and go outside for a walk. Getting outside is so important, even if it’s a bit chilly. I miss Tigger and Smudge so much, it’s heartbreaking that they cannot understand why I’m no longer there.

“They must think I’m a terrible mummy. Mum and dad are taking good care of them and are no doubt spoiling them. I’m trying to do all that I can to remain strong and positive. I’m determined to get through this. I will not give up.”

Towards the end of the film, Maisie admitted that the last few years have seen questioning whether Letby ‘presented one side to her and and a different side to other people’.

“There’s always doubt because as much as you know someone, you never know the whole of someone.

“They can still have things you don’t know about them. Unless I saw actual evidence, I can’t believe it. I know people think I support a baby murder. She’s my friend and currently in jail. Forever,” she noted.

Reflecting on when Letby was found guilty, Maisie said: “I just couldn’t imagine why they did this. Once I got over the disbelief I was really scared for her.”

The Investigation of Lucy Letby is available now on Netflix

Last week’s branch closures will leave it with 244 full branches

Santander UK has revealed a hike in annual profits despite putting by another £183 million to cover costs of the motor finance mis-selling scandal and warned over further cost-cutting over the year ahead. The Spanish-owned lending giant reported a 14% rise in pre-tax profits to £1.51 billion for 2025.

It added the additional provision for motor finance compensation and costs, on top of £295 million for the saga in 2024, having earlier cancelled third quarter results to assess the impact of the Financial Conduct Authority’s redress scheme. But it cautioned “there continue to be significant uncertainties as to the nature, extent and timing of redress payments”.

“The ultimate financial impact could be materially higher or lower than the amount provided,” the bank said. In full-year results it also set the scene for more cost-cutting in 2026, less than a week after it revealed plans to shut another 44 branches, putting nearly 300 jobs at risk.

Santander said it expects further cost efficiencies in 2026 “driven by simplification and automation of our business”.

Last week’s branch closures will leave it with 244 full branches, although it will add more through the deal to take over smaller rival TSB. It said it expects to complete the £2.65 billion TSB deal in the first half of 2026.

The UK bank results came after its Spanish owner banco Santander announced a 12.2 billion US dollar (£8.9 billion) deal to buy American rival Webster Bank. Banco Santander reported a better-than-expected net income of 3.76 billion euro (£3.24 billon) for the fourth quarter, having brought the results forward by a day due to the announcement of the deal.

The incident occurred in Kilkeel earlier today

An 11-year-old boy has tragically died following a road traffic collision earlier today, the PSNI have confirmed this evening.

The accident happened on the Corcreaghan Road in Kilkeel, Co Down, during early morning commuter traffic in the area.

Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report at approximately 8am of a collision involving a car and a child on the Corcreaghan Road.

“Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Tragically, the young boy was pronounced deceased a short time later in hospital.

READ MORE: Michael Flatley wins injunction blocking firm from cancelling Lord Of The DanceREAD MORE: Cameron Donnelly: Omagh crash victim named locally as tributes led by local GAA club

“Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries.

“Please call us on 101, quoting reference 242 03/02/26, or submit information online.”

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath described the death as a heartbreaking tragedy. Mr McGrath said: “This is an absolutely heartbreaking tragedy and my thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone who knew this young boy. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the loss of a young life in these circumstances is unimaginable.

“I know that the local community is shocked and deeply saddened, but I trust they will do everything they can to support the family at the centre of this as they come to terms with such a devastating loss.

“The police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward and I would ask people to help in any way they can.”

Paying her respects, South Down DUP MLA Diane Forsythe said: “I am absolutely heartbroken as is the entire community at this tragic news today. My deepest condolences are with the entire family circle as well as many friends, the school family and wider community who are firmly in my thoughts and prayers.

“The devastating loss of a child is beyond measure and this one was one of the loveliest there are. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4.”

The Corcreaghan Road reopened just after 9pm on Tuesday night.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

I AM unlucky enough in frequently needing to use the U1702 Moxby Lane from Sheriff Hutton to Easingwold.

By writing this letter, I’m hoping to warn other motorists that if not spotted in time their car’s wheels, tyres and even axels may be significantly damaged.

Pothole on Moxby Lane from Sheriff Hutton to Easingwold. Image supplied

I fully appreciate that North Yorkshire has many hundreds of miles of roads to maintain, but feel that my local area has been overlooked for repair!

Ralph Magee,

Broadacres,

Lilling,

York

… WITH the terrible state of our roads, I was thinking of something that would make the potholes more visible.

Perhaps some sort of “radar” but with the amounts of heavy rain we’ve been having lately, perhaps a “sonar” gadget measuring the depth of the water would be more appropriate.

D M Deamer,

Penleys Grove Street,

Monkgate,

York

What do you think?

Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk

NHS still ‘top loaded with pen pushers’

THE NHS is apparently top loaded with bureaucrats which begs the question what do they do all day?

When appointed health secretary Wes Streeting said his first priority was to reduce the number of unnecessary pen pushers.

Like all ministers, he is full of hot air – 18 months into office I have just received a hospital appointment confirmed three times.

Peter Rickaby,

Moat Way,

Brayton

—

Why Kemi is music to my ears!

HAVING just listened to BBC4’s latest programme of Desert Island Discs with Kemi Badenoch I have come to the following conclusion: Kemi has more common sense, intelligence, communication skills and political ability in her little finger than the whole of the current front branch put together.

Mary Morton,

Hob Moor Drive,

Holgate,

York

—

Apt name – bar none!

THE irony of a wine bar called Plonkers refusing entry to Labour councillors is wonderful. Joanne Ellis,

Charlton Street,

York

Send us your local pothole photos

Have you seen worse? Please be safe, but if you can, take a photo of potholes near you and send them to our newsroom, with the location and the date you took the photo. Send them to us via the link below…

The Treasury announced that every pub in England would get 15 per cent off its new business rates bill from April 1.

This support package was a U-turn from November’s Budget, which would have ended financial relief first introduced during the pandemic.

Bolton Council had voted to oppose the end of rate relief on January 20, with the figures for one pub showing monthly bills rising by more than 70 per cent.

But critics have argued the new support doesn’t go far enough to support pubs, which are already struggling to open.

‘A lot of them are gone already’

Nick Howcroft, owner of Henighans Bar and Grill in Little Lever, said the relief doesn’t go far enough.

He said: “We need to be more radical than 15 per cent – it’s not going to do anything, and it’s not going to save pubs – a lot of them are gone already.”

He added that he only owns one pub now, after putting Henighan’s Eat and Drink on Bury Road in Breightmet up for sale a year ago.

At the time, Nick said he was selling the pub as it had just got “quieter and quieter and quieter” and it was time to move on 14 years after buying it.

Nick Howcroft, owner of Henighans Bar and Grill in Little Lever (Image: Newsquest)

He added that the government hasn’t given “any clarity” to the plans, and he said: “It’s hard to comment, they don’t have a clue.”

‘Business rates are out of control’

Danny Loynd, manager of The Balmoral, also said he does not think it’s enough, and the relief should have been left where it was.

He said: “I don’t think it’s enough – I think they should have left it where it was.

“I think we’re going to see a lot more closures this year and also next year.

“Bolton’s a difficult town as it is, so any support we can get is helpful but at the minute we’re not really getting anything.”

Chris Howgate, landlord of Elephant and Castle and The Jolly Carter in Little Lever, said that “business rates are out of control at the minute”.

He said: “They’re through the roof and that’s why businesses are closing.

“I don’t think it’s enough to be honest, especially with rates as they are.”

A NI charity has backed grieving parents call for answers after their 23-year-old son fell to his death from a fifth-floor apartment after the railing ‘gave way’

A Northern Irish charity has backed two grieving parents’ call for answers following the tragic death of their son in London.

Joshua Robbins from Claudy died suddenly on Thursday, January 29, at Thurston Dwellings on Newton Street in the city, breaking the hearts of his family and friends. It has been alleged that the 23-year-old fell from the fifth floor of the apartment block after a “railing gave way” as he looked over a ledge to see if a pizza delivery had arrived.

His heartbroken parents Fiona Garrett and Will Robbins have called for “truth and accountability” in the wake of Joshua’s tragic death due to alleged safety failings and have now been backed by The Katie Trust. The charity has said it has been “shocked” by its research into similar incidents and that it has “serious and legitimate questions about building safety standards, inspection regimes and accountability” in the UK capital.

READ MORE: Parents demand answers after NI man’s tragic death from fifth floor of London apartmentREAD MORE: ‘It has been terrorising’ – Mum slams 8 year wait for answers after son’s motorway death

A spokesperson for the charity said: “The Katie Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Joshua Robbins, aged 23, who fell from a balcony at a residential property in London last Thursday, as reported in the media.

“Joshua was the beloved son of Fifi Garrett, a valued member of The Katie Trust team, and the father of Will Robbins. Our thoughts, love and solidarity are firmly with Fifi, Will, and the wider Robbins family at this devastating time. No parent should ever have to endure such a loss, and no child should grow up without their father.

“While the full circumstances surrounding Joshua’s death will be a matter for the relevant authorities to establish, we are profoundly concerned by reports that the balcony railing failed, leading to his fatal fall. The prospect that a basic structural safety feature in a residential building could collapse so easily is deeply troubling.

“As a Trust, we have been further shocked by our own research into similar incidents and by the number of deaths in London linked to balcony failures and concerns about structural integrity. That such incidents continue to occur in the capital city of a G7 nation—often described as a global leader in housing, construction and regulation—raises serious and legitimate questions about building safety standards, inspection regimes and accountability.

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“This is not the kind of scenario one would expect in a modern European capital. It is an issue that demands urgent attention at both local and national level. The building in question falls within the constituency of the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and we believe it is reasonable to ask what action is being taken to address wider concerns about residential building safety and to prevent further tragedies.

“At this time, we also wish to acknowledge and thank the emergency services, who responded swiftly and professionally, and to recognise the trauma experienced by neighbours and witnesses who were confronted with this distressing incident.

“Above all, our focus remains with Fifi and Will. The Katie Trust will continue to support the family in any way we can, and we stand with all families who have lost loved ones in circumstances that raise serious questions about safety, oversight and preventability.

“Joshua’s death must not be treated as an isolated tragedy. If lessons are to be learned, they must be learned fully and transparently—so that no other family has to suffer a loss like this.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moved out of the Royal Lodge, a grand royal residence on the Windsor estate, on Monday night.

The disgraced former duke now lives on a property on the slightly smaller Sandringham Estate, a royal compound that the king personally owns.

The former Duke of York will call the Marsh Farm his permanent home and will pay the cost, according to the BBC.

Mountbatten-Windsor will briefly return to Windsor to collect the remaining of his belongings.

In October, the ex-prince was stripped of his royal titles and ordered to vacate the Royal Lodge.

A look at Royal Lodge in Windsor

The Royal Lodge is a Grade II listed building in Windsor that has 30 rooms, including seven bedrooms.

The lavish mansion is made up of a central section standing at three storeys tall, with two-storey wings.

The current building structure dates back to the 19th century and was later expanded in the 1930s by the then Duke of York, also the future King George VI.

The residence was previously occupied by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until she died in 2002, aged 101.

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Mountbatten-Windsor has lived in the 30-room Georgian mansion, which sits on 98 acres of land west of London, since 2003.

Marsh Farm, once described by royal insiders as ‘modest’, has a kitchen, two reception rooms, and various outbuildings and stables. Sarah Ferguson will not be joining her ex-husband.

The move comes after new disclosures showed the extent of his closeness with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.

Among the three million files released on Friday by the US Department of Justice was a 2010 email exchange between ‘A’ and Epstein.

The businessman asks: ‘What time would you like me and [redacted]?

‘We will also need/have private time.’

In a response, an email signed off by ‘A’ suggested: ‘Alternatively, we should have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy.’

Photographs also show Mountbatten-Windsor in compromising positions, including kneeling over a woman lying on the ground.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before a congressional committee in the US over his dealings with Epstein.

He said: ‘Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Prince Edward first royal to speak out after bombshell Epstein files release

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MORE: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie ‘mortified’ over mum Sarah Ferguson’s emails to Epstein

Paul Ellison was found dead within HMP Frankland’s healthcare facility on December 19.

The 54-year-old was one of five inmates at the prison to be found dead over a period of eight days, including on Christmas.

An inquest into his death was today (February 3) opened in Spennymoor, and heard his cause of death is “unascertained”.

Coroners’ officer Sue Rooney told the hearing: “I understand the circumstances to be that Paul was found slumped on his bed, at the healthcare facility, within HMP Frankland.

“On December 21, 2025, Dr Louise Mulcahy conducted a Post-Mortem Examination at Newcastle RVI Mortuary and gave the cause of death as unascertained.”

The hearing was adjourned and will be mentioned on May 12.

As reported, investigations into the deaths of five inmates are underway, with Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) Adrian Usher saying he will look at any “themes or any correlation among the deaths”.

It is understood they are not directly linked.

Among the men who died were a Latvian man who raped and murdered a teenager days before her 18th birthday, and a man who killed his neighbour in Barnard Castle just three years ago.