Coronation Street legend Charlie Lawson has taken a brutal swipe at his younger co-stars’ acting.
The 64-year-old actor – who has played Jim McDonald on and off since 1989 – warned some “extremely average” acting is putting off viewers, and the older cast members are so exhausted with their heavy workload, he can’t see them sticking around much longer.
Charlie claimed he and Sarah Lancashire, who played Raquel Watts from 1991 to 1996, recently discussed their fears for the show at the funeral of former writer John Stevenson, who died aged 86 in September.
“I fear that Corrie might not be here in ten years’ time. Sarah and I were talking. We both agreed John wouldn’t recognise the show.” He added to The Sun on Sunday: “We felt it was a completely different animal, so fundamentally different from our day – and the viewing figures have plummeted.”
The 64-year-old actor – who has played Jim McDonald on and off since 1989 – warned some “extremely average” acting is putting off viewers (
Charlie warned the likes of Sue Nicholls, 80, and 90-year-old Barbara Knox – who play Audrey Roberts and Rita Tanner respectively – could follow veteran star Helen Worth out of the door after she announced she is leaving her role of Gail Platt after 50 years.
He said: “The workload is huge. The cast is huge, there’s less time for enjoyment, for fun, to get to know the vast quantity of people there. It wouldn’t surprise me if some of the stable of elderly actors leave too. I know they are not happy, it’s not the happy ship it used to be […] many performances from some of the younger cast are extremely average, sometimes disappointing.”
Helen recently confirmed the news of her exit in a bombshell statement to her fans on Thursday, leaving them heartbroken. While it remains to be seen what had caused the 73-year-old to suddenly quit the show, she revealed in her statement that producers were very “kind and understanding” towards her decision. Helen confirmed her departure in a statement that said: “This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world. I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding. I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew. The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”
