A Coronation Street legend is set to make a massive return to the cobbles this year

This is going to be huge.

Coronation Street's Jim McDonald is set to make a big return to the cobbles in the coming weeks after being jailed for armed robbery in 2011. The character, played by Northern Irish actor Charlie Lawson, is set to be released from prison soon. It's expected he will return to Weatherfield for his son Steve's second wedding to Tracy Barlow this spring. A Coronation Street spokesman told The Mirror: 

“Jim is such a hugely popular character. We’re delighted he is coming back for what will be a typically explosive Jim storyline.”

And the 58-year-old actor revealed that soap bosses were initially keen to have him back full time this year. He continued:

“They wanted me back full time this year but I couldn’t do it as I am doing Rebus on stage, and a thriller. I’m going to film a bit but then will be back again next year.”

He quit the cobbles after 11 years as Jim in 2000, before making a brief return in 2010. He left again the following year, as Jim was jailed for trying to rob a building society so his wife, Liz, could buy the Rovers Return. Jim was last seen in 2014, when he was menacing Peter Barlow in jail. We've got to wonder, though, how will his family - and Peter - react to his confession?