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Liz McDonald (also credited as Liz MacDonald) is a fictional character from the
British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. * British national identity, the characteristics of British people and culture ...
ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: Television TV stations/networks/channels ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network and company, including: **ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network in the United Kingd ...
soap opera A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street ''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
''. She is portrayed by
Beverley Callard Beverley Jane McEwan (''née'' Moxon; previously Atkinson, Sowden and Callard; born 28 March 1957) is an English actress, known for her role as Liz McDonald in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1989–1998, 2000–2001, 2 ...
. She made her first appearance on 27 October 1989. Callard opted to leave the series, and Liz departed on 13 November 1998. Callard reprised the role for a short stint with Liz appearing between 6 October 2000 and 12 January 2001. Callard reprised the role for two separate stints between 19 November and 30 November 2003 and between 13 February and 22 March 2004. She returned on a permanent basis on 22 June 2004. Callard departed once again with Liz's final appearance airing on 14 April 2011. Callard reprised the role once again on a permanent basis and Liz returned on 14 October 2013. Callard announced her departure in November 2019, with her final scene broadcast on 17 June 2020. Liz's storylines have seen her embark on a series of failed romances, including twice marriages to Jim McDonald (
Charles Lawson Quintin Charles Devenish Lawson (born 17 September 1959) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing Jim McDonald (Coronation Street), Jim McDonald on the long running ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. ...
), which became
abusive Abuse is the act of improper usage or treatment of a person or thing, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices, ...
, and
Vernon Tomlin Vernon Tomlin is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Ian Reddington. He appeared from December 2005 until September 2008, when the character was written out of the series. The character was the ...
(
Ian Reddington Ian Reddington (born 25 September 1957) is an English actor with many stage and television credits since the early 1980s. He became widely known for television roles such as the Chief Clown in the ''Doctor Who'' serial '' The Greatest Show in t ...
). She has also had many feuds, notably with son
Steve Steve is a masculine given name, usually a short form ( hypocorism) of Steven or Stephen. Notable people A–D * Steve Abbott (disambiguation), several people * Steve Abel (born 1970), New Zealand politician * Steve Adams (disambiguation) ...
's (
Simon Gregson Simon Alan Gregory (born 2 October 1974), better known by his stage name, Simon Gregson, is a British actor from Manchester, England. He is best known for his portrayal of Steve McDonald (Coronation Street character), Steve McDonald in the long- ...
) wives Karen Philips (
Suranne Jones Sarah Ann Akers (née Jones; born 27 August 1978), known professionally as Suranne Jones, is an English actress and producer. Known for her numerous collaborations with screenwriter Sally Wainwright, she rose to prominence playing Karen McDonal ...
),
Becky Granger Becky McDonald (also Granger) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Katherine Kelly. Becky was created by producer Tony Wood, and made her debut in the episode airing on 5 February 2006. Kelly was ...
( Katherine Kelly) and
Tracy Barlow Tracy Barlow (also Langton, Preston and McDonald) is a Television in the United Kingdom, fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen durin ...
(
Kate Ford Kate Ford (born 29 December 1976) is a British actress. She is known for her portrayal of Tracy Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2002–2007, 2010–present). Ford was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. She attended Qu ...
). Her other feuds include
Teresa Bryant Teresa Bryant (also Morton) is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Karen Henthorn. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode a ...
(
Karen Henthorn Karen Henthorn (born 1963) is a British character actress who portrayed the role of Teresa Bryant in the long-running British soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She appeared in the role briefly in 2007 and became a regular character in 2008. Her ...
),
Jenny Bradley Jenny Bradley (also Connor) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Sally Ann Matthews. She made her first appearance on-screen on 6 January 1986. Originally fostered by Rita Fairclough ( Bar ...
(
Sally Ann Matthews Sally Ann Matthews (born 19 September 1970) is an English actress. She is known for playing the roles of Jenny Bradley in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street and'' ''Emmerdale as'' Sandra Briggs Career Matthews was born in Oldham, Lan ...
), Pat Phelan (
Connor McIntyre Connor McIntyre (born 30 November 1960) is an English actor, best known for playing Pat Phelan in the ITV soap opera, ''Coronation Street'' from 2013 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2018, but has also had large roles in TV shows such as '' ...
) and Peter Barlow (
Chris Gascoyne Chris Gascoyne (born 31 January 1968) is an English film, theatre and television actor. He is best known for his role as Peter Barlow in the soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Making his first appearance in December 2000 during a live, 50 minut ...
). Liz's
emotional affair The term emotional affair describes a type of relationship between people. The term often describes a bond between two people that mimics or matches the closeness and emotional intimacy of a romantic relationship while not being physical intimac ...
with Johnny Connor (
Richard Hawley Richard Willis Hawley (born 17 January 1967) is an English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. After his first band Treebound Story (formed while he was still at school) broke up, Hawley found success as a member of Britpop band Long ...
) eventually leads to Johnny's wife, Jenny, hitting Liz with her car in a
hit-and-run In traffic laws, a hit and run or a hit-and-run is the criminal act of causing a traffic collision and not stopping afterwards. It is considered a supplemental crime in most jurisdictions. Additional obligation In many jurisdictions, there ma ...
storyline over Christmas 2018. Callard has claimed Liz's unique fashion sense stems from
Alec Gilroy Alec Gilroy is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Roy Barraclough. The character made several appearances in the show as a small-time talent agent, the first in 1972, and later as a series reg ...
(
Roy Barraclough Roy Senior Barraclough (12 July 1935 – 1 June 2017) was an English comic actor. He was best known for his role as Alec Gilroy, the devious, mournful landlord of the Rovers Return in the long-running British TV soap ''Coronation Street'', an ...
) telling her that she could "aerate the space under her chin a bit more" in an episode early on in Liz's time in Weatherfield.


Creation and casting

In 1989, Beverley Callard was cast in the show as matriarch of the new McDonald family, after having previously played the part of June Dewhurst in 1984. Liz first appeared in October 1989 with her husband, ex-army sergeant Jim McDonald (
Charles Lawson Quintin Charles Devenish Lawson (born 17 September 1959) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing Jim McDonald (Coronation Street), Jim McDonald on the long running ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. ...
), and their twin sons
Steve Steve is a masculine given name, usually a short form ( hypocorism) of Steven or Stephen. Notable people A–D * Steve Abbott (disambiguation), several people * Steve Abel (born 1970), New Zealand politician * Steve Adams (disambiguation) ...
(
Simon Gregson Simon Alan Gregory (born 2 October 1974), better known by his stage name, Simon Gregson, is a British actor from Manchester, England. He is best known for his portrayal of Steve McDonald (Coronation Street character), Steve McDonald in the long- ...
) and Andy (
Nicholas Cochrane Nicholas Marc Cochrane is an English actor, known for his role as Andy McDonald in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Career Cochrane had appeared as an extra on TV for ''Coronation Streets production company, Granada TV, prior to hi ...
). Liz and Jim were married very young when Liz got pregnant. When asked in a 2010 interview with ''The Mirror'' what her favourite scenes were, Callard replied, "when Jim beat up Liz. I knew those scenes would have a huge impact. There were protests outside the studios and I had sacks of letters from battered wives. The scenes were so well written that one week viewers would have sympathy for Liz, the next Jim, then Liz. Opening those scripts gave me a buzz. And the viewing figures, 24 million, were massive."


Development


Reintroduction (2003)

On 14 August 2003, ''
BBC News BBC News is an operational business division of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) responsible for the gathering and broadcasting of news and current affairs in the UK and around the world. The department is the world's largest broad ...
'' reported that Callard, along with
Julie Goodyear Julie Goodyear (' Kemp; born 29 March 1942) is an English retired actress. She is known for portraying Bet Lynch in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She first appeared as Bet for nine episodes in 1966, before becoming a ...
(
Bet Lynch Elizabeth Theresa "Bet" Lynch (also Gilroy) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Julie Goodyear, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on Monday 25 May 1966. Appear ...
) and
Charles Lawson Quintin Charles Devenish Lawson (born 17 September 1959) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing Jim McDonald (Coronation Street), Jim McDonald on the long running ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. ...
( Jim McDonald) would be returning for 10 episodes filmed in
Blackpool Blackpool is a seaside town in Lancashire, England. It is located on the Irish Sea coast of the Fylde peninsula, approximately north of Liverpool and west of Preston, Lancashire, Preston. It is the main settlement in the Borough of Blackpool ...
with Callard and Lawson's return storyline being separate to Goodyear's storyline. A spokeswoman for the show said: "It's great news - they are all popular characters." Viewers would also see Liz meet daughter-in-law
Karen Karen may refer to: * Karen (name), a given name and surname * Karen (slang), a term and meme for a demanding white woman displaying certain behaviors People * Karen people, an ethnic group in Myanmar and Thailand * House of Karen, a historic ...
(
Suranne Jones Sarah Ann Akers (née Jones; born 27 August 1978), known professionally as Suranne Jones, is an English actress and producer. Known for her numerous collaborations with screenwriter Sally Wainwright, she rose to prominence playing Karen McDonal ...
) for the first time. The pair have met before but only off-screen. The spokeswoman said: "It will be interesting to see how Karen and Liz get on - sparks are bound to fly." The storylines were woven into the usual four-weekly episodes rather than being dedicated special programmes. It was reported that Liz would reunite with her family in episodes set in
Blackpool Blackpool is a seaside town in Lancashire, England. It is located on the Irish Sea coast of the Fylde peninsula, approximately north of Liverpool and west of Preston, Lancashire, Preston. It is the main settlement in the Borough of Blackpool ...
, speaking of the storyline a ''Coronation Street'' spokeswomen said: "Fans will be on the edge of their seats when the week-long Blackpool adventure reaches an extraordinary finale involving a dramatic sea rescue and a tragic death." In December 2003, Callard revealed that she would be returning again for Liz's son
Steve Steve is a masculine given name, usually a short form ( hypocorism) of Steven or Stephen. Notable people A–D * Steve Abbott (disambiguation), several people * Steve Abel (born 1970), New Zealand politician * Steve Adams (disambiguation) ...
(
Simon Gregson Simon Alan Gregory (born 2 October 1974), better known by his stage name, Simon Gregson, is a British actor from Manchester, England. He is best known for his portrayal of Steve McDonald (Coronation Street character), Steve McDonald in the long- ...
)'s wedding to Karen. Callard said to the ''
News of the World The ''News of the World'' was a weekly national "Tabloid journalism#Red tops, red top" Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid newspaper published every Sunday in the United Kingdom from 1843 to 2011. It was at one time the world's highest-selling ...
'': "I'm definitely coming back, I've just worked for four weeks and I had such a great time there's no way I can turn down a chance to come back". On 4 February 2004, it was reported alongside the return of
Leanne Battersby Leanne Battersby (also Tilsley and Barlow) is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Jane Danson. It was announced in February 1997 that a "fam ...
(
Jane Danson Jane Danson (born Jane Elizabeth Dawson, 8 November 1978) is an English actress. She is known for her portrayal of Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', between 1997 and 2000, and from 2004 onwards. Her other television ...
) that Liz would return later that year.


Relationship with Lloyd Mullaney

In November 2008, it was revealed that Liz would embark on a relationship with
Lloyd Mullaney Lloyd Mullaney is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Craig Charles. He made his first on-screen appearance on 20 June 2005. The character departed on 23 July 2006, while Charles was suspended ...
played by
Craig Charles Craig Joseph Charles (born 11 July 1964) is an English actor, comedian and radio presenter. He is best known for his roles as Dave Lister in the science fiction sitcom ''Red Dwarf'' and Lloyd Mullaney in the soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2 ...
. Speaking of his reaction when he was told about the relationship, Charles revealed: "Bev's a friend of me and my wife's, so it's all quite comfortable really. We get on really well, too. The relationship just opens up the whole scenario of Lloyd going out with his best mate's mum – and Steve definitely doesn't like it!" Charles also revealed that Steve McDonald's reaction to the relationship is that he is not impressed. Liz and Lloyd's relationship was revisited in August 2015 when Lloyd sleeps with Liz in the wake of his split from Andrea Beckett (
Hayley Tamaddon Hayley Soraya Tamaddon (born 24 January 1977) is a British actress. She is known for her roles in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap operas as Del Dingle in ''Emmerdale'' and Andrea Beckett in ''Coronation Street''. Tamaddon won the Dancing on Ice ...
). Lloyd immediately regrets spending the night with Liz, but he is backed into a corner when she explains to a horrified Steve that they have a future together. Asked in an interview with ''
Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
'' if he would ever put Liz and Lloyd together, Craig Charles replied: "Well they do have a history of course. On paper it is not the most obvious of matches but they do get on really well. This is probably not the best thing for either of them at the moment so it is no doubt doomed!" Charles later went on to reveal that Lloyd is the one who regrets it the most as he is very wry of upsetting both Liz and Steve (
Simon Gregson Simon Alan Gregory (born 2 October 1974), better known by his stage name, Simon Gregson, is a British actor from Manchester, England. He is best known for his portrayal of Steve McDonald (Coronation Street character), Steve McDonald in the long- ...
). Lloyd and Liz are caught out the next morning by Steve and Michelle (
Kym Marsh Kimberley Gail Marsh (previously Ryder, Lomas and Ratcliff; born 13 June 1976) is an English actress, television presenter and singer. In 2001, she won a place in the band Hear'Say as a result of appearing on the reality television series ''Pop ...
). Asked how Steve react to the news that Lloyd has slept with his mum, Charles replied: "Steve is horrified but Liz insists to Steve they have done nothing wrong and that they have a future together. This was not what Lloyd was thinking but he now has to go along with it." Charles went on to say: "Steve is the person Lloyd is most worried about upsetting - they have only just got their friendship back on an even keel and now he is risking it again. But really he would be better being up front now, dragging it on is only going to make it worse in the end."


Departure (2011)

On 20 October 2010, it was announced that Liz was to leave. Discussing her departure, Callard said "I've loved every minute of my second stint on the street - it's always a difficult decision to make the leap but I returned for the 40th, so leaving for the 50th feels like perfect timing. I'll miss everyone on the show but I'm looking forward to some new challenges and to see what life has to offer beyond Liz's famous mini skirts!" Producer
Phil Collinson Philip Collinson (born 26 August 1970) is a British television producer. He was initially an actor, before switching to working behind the cameras in the industry as a script editor and writer on programmes such as ''Springhill'' and ''Emmerdale ...
commented: "Bev has created an iconic and much-loved character in Liz. She will be greatly missed behind the bar of The Rovers by the viewers of the show. She's a lovely lady and is such a talented actress. We all wish her well in whatever she does next and we hope to see the character of Liz return sometime in the future. Plans are now being made for an exciting exit storyline for her departure next year." In February 2011, it was announced that Lawson would be returning again to be a part of Liz's exit storyline. Speaking of the exit storyline, Callard said: "It's a fantastic exit and it's absolutely massive, but Liz may not be leaving on her own!" In March 2011, rumours of Liz's exit started. According to ''
The Sun The Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System. It is a massive, nearly perfect sphere of hot Plasma (physics), plasma, heated to incandescence by nuclear fusion reactions in its core, radiating the energy from its surface mainly as ...
'', poignant scenes on the ITV1 soap would see the landlady complete one final shift at her beloved pub before putting on her coat, walking to the door and taking in her surroundings for the last time as she turns off the lights. It was thought that bosses wanted the scenes to mirror the way
Bet Lynch Elizabeth Theresa "Bet" Lynch (also Gilroy) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Julie Goodyear, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on Monday 25 May 1966. Appear ...
(
Julie Goodyear Julie Goodyear (' Kemp; born 29 March 1942) is an English retired actress. She is known for portraying Bet Lynch in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She first appeared as Bet for nine episodes in 1966, before becoming a ...
) departed the show in 1995. Liz instead left after ex-husband Jim (
Charles Lawson Quintin Charles Devenish Lawson (born 17 September 1959) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing Jim McDonald (Coronation Street), Jim McDonald on the long running ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. ...
) staged an armed robbery at Weatherfield's building society; he does so as part of a desperate attempt to raise funds in order to buy The Rovers. His plan goes wrong, and Jim is expected to be jailed for 10 years, leaving Liz heartbroken. She agrees to wait for him, but with little keeping her in Weatherfield, and after reminiscing on good and bad times, she decides to leaves the country without telling him or her family. She heads for the airport, with her last words being, "Go for it".


Reintroduction (2013)

On 30 May 2013, it was confirmed that Callard would be returning as Liz later that year; her return scenes aired in October 2013. Speaking of her return, Callard told itv.com: "I am coming home and I can't wait. I am so excited to be back, I have missed Liz so it will be great to play her again. Hopefully her skirts will have got a little bit longer, but we will see!" In October 2013, Callard revealed that Liz would have a boyfriend in an upcoming plot, saying: "She izis telling everyone she's single, but there is someone coming in for Liz. My God, it's so exciting, but I can't reveal anything else yet." Tabloids reported that Liz's boyfriend would be portrayed by
Jimi Mistry James Patrick Mistry (born 20 March 1973) is a retired British actor. He is known for appearing in numerous films such as '' East Is East'' (1999), '' The Guru'' (2002), '' Touch of Pink'' (2004), ''Ella Enchanted'' (2004), '' The Truth About L ...
, but this was later proved to be false. It was later revealed that Liz would embark on a romance with
Tony Stewart Anthony Wayne Stewart (born May 20, 1971), nicknamed "Smoke", is an American semi-retired professional auto racing driver, and former NASCAR team co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. He currently competes in the NHRA Top Fuel class. He is a four-t ...
, portrayed by Terrance Maynard in an upcoming storyline. Speaking of the plot, Maynard said; "It was always going to be the case that they'd get together, so I knew that from the start. What the writers weren't sure about was what would develop between Tony and Eileen and whether there'd be any tensions there. Liz and Tony are a bit of a double act and I think that could go further. I think at the moment Tony's really genuine with Liz - I don't think he's trying to deceive her in any way. I don't know who is 'the one' for Tony, but he's definitely happy with Liz!" On 31 March 2016, it was reported that Callard would be taking a break from the serial due to her battle with depression; a show source confirmed, "She is taking some time off whilst her doctors look for a suitable alternative". On 29 April 2016, it was confirmed that she would resume filming the following week, with Callard writing on
Twitter Twitter, officially known as X since 2023, is an American microblogging and social networking service. It is one of the world's largest social media platforms and one of the most-visited websites. Users can share short text messages, image ...
, "Oh thank you so much for all your fab messages! I’m much better! Back to work next week!!! Hurray, watch out Weatherfield!! Xxx."


Departure (2020)

On 18 November 2019, it was announced that Callard had quit the soap. In an interview with ''
OK! magazine ''OK!'' is a British weekly magazine that primarily specialises in royal and celebrity news. Originally launched as a monthly magazine, its first issue was published in April 1993. In September 2004, ''OK''! launched in Australia as a monthly ...
'', Callard revealed that she informed ITV bosses of her plans to leave earlier that month. Recalling the moment, she said: "I was in shock, I felt totally numb," adding: "I’ve been told Liz is going to go with one hell of a bang. I can't wait!" MD of Continuing Drama and Head of
ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: Television TV stations/networks/channels ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network and company, including: **ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network in the United Kingd ...
in the North John Whiston said: “With the character of Liz, Beverley Callard has gifted to ''Coronation Street'' 30 years of brilliant drama, comedy and everything in between. Whether it’s sharing a wicked joke with Eileen, raising an arch eyebrow behind the bar of the Rovers or giving some feckless man the full force of her tongue, Liz is a true ''Coronation Street'' icon, and while we wish Bev well when she leaves to take on new challenges mid next year, hopefully Weatherfield hasn't seen the last of Liz!” It was reported that Callard filmed her final scenes in July 2020, but it was later announced that due to the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the television industry, mirroring its impacts across all arts sectors, shutting down or delaying production of television programs in many countries with consequent negative impacts on reve ...
, Callard was unable to film her exit storyline, and her character was instead written out as having gone to Spain. Speaking to the ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'', Callard commented "I'm due to film my final ''Corrie'' scenes in July and I have no idea what will happen. The only thing I've been guaranteed is that Liz is not going to die. It would be really good if she found love and happiness, but I can't see that happening. I'll miss the failed romances and the feuds, but not the fashion. On my last day I'll set fire to Liz's wardrobe." On 30 August 2020, Callard announced that she would remain with the soap for another year, and would return sometime in 2021 to film Liz's exit storyline, after she underwent a routine hip operation which led to complications. However, on 7 February 2021, she retracted her statement, and ruled out filming an exit storyline. Speaking of her decision, Callard said "I loved ''Coronation Street''. I still do and I always will. But sometimes it's just not your turn on the merry-go-round. It was a massive decision for me to make, but I believe I did it for the right reasons. I felt Liz had run her course. I'd hate to cheat any fans out there who were waiting and hoping for something amazing to happen to her. I felt like she'd lost her way. I was actually toying with the idea of going back to film an exit, but I felt that they wouldn't be able to do Liz justice under the current Covid restrictions. I want to preserve her. Considering the current climate for actors, it's unsurprising that everyone told me to go back and take the money, but that's just not me. I have to earn my pay. The pandemic has given me time to assess how I feel about everything and I'm sure that my time on the cobbles is up."


Storylines


1989–1998

Liz first appears on Coronation Street in October 1989 with her husband, former army sergeant Jim (
Charles Lawson Quintin Charles Devenish Lawson (born 17 September 1959) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing Jim McDonald (Coronation Street), Jim McDonald on the long running ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. ...
), and their two teenage sons,
Steve Steve is a masculine given name, usually a short form ( hypocorism) of Steven or Stephen. Notable people A–D * Steve Abbott (disambiguation), several people * Steve Abel (born 1970), New Zealand politician * Steve Adams (disambiguation) ...
(
Simon Gregson Simon Alan Gregory (born 2 October 1974), better known by his stage name, Simon Gregson, is a British actor from Manchester, England. He is best known for his portrayal of Steve McDonald (Coronation Street character), Steve McDonald in the long- ...
) and Andy (
Nicholas Cochrane Nicholas Marc Cochrane is an English actor, known for his role as Andy McDonald in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Career Cochrane had appeared as an extra on TV for ''Coronation Streets production company, Granada TV, prior to hi ...
). Liz makes friends with
Deirdre Barlow Deirdre Barlow (also Hunt, Langton and Rachid) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Anne Kirkbride. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 November 1972. Her ...
(
Anne Kirkbride Anne Kirkbride (21 June 1954 – 19 January 2015) was an English actress, best known for her long-running role as Deirdre Barlow in the ITV soap ''Coronation Street'', which she played for 42 years from 1972 to 2014. For this role, she posthu ...
), whose daughter Tracy ( Dawn Acton) is slightly younger than Steve and Andy. Liz and Jim split up after Jim punches Steve during an argument, moving into the flat above the pub. Liz works as a barmaid at The Rovers Return Inn before being given her own pub, The Queens, to run. She moves into the flat above the pub and runs it with Jim, until he accuses her of cheating and causes a scene. Jim is then barred from the pub by the brewery. Liz and Jim split up and Liz runs the pub on her own. Shortly after, she begins a relationship with
Colin Colin may refer to: * Colin (given name) * Colin (surname) * ''Colin'' (film), a 2008 Cannes film festival zombie movie * Colin (horse) (1905–1932), Thoroughbred racehorse * Colin (humpback whale), a humpback whale calf abandoned north of Sydney, ...
(Ian Embleton), who is the brother of
Des Barnes Des Barnes is a fictional character from the English ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Philip Middlemiss. Storylines Des was deeply in love with Steph Jones ( Amelia Bullmore), but she did not seem to care as deeply for hi ...
(
Philip Middlemiss Philip Middlemiss (born Philip Sean Lloyd; 19 June 1963) is an English television, radio actor and businessman, best known for playing bookmaker Des Barnes in ITV's ''Coronation Street'' between 1990 and 1998. The character was killed off, ord ...
), but is not as invested in the relationship as he is. She later reconciles with Jim and they agree to work on their marriage but it doesn't last. Liz, now separated, was working for Sean Skinner in the bookie's. They flirted but it was ended by a criminal called Fraser Henderson. He noticed her when she was visiting Steve in prison and contacted her upon his release. He had Sean beaten but Liz gets involved with him regardless and he gives her a job in a wine bar he owns.
Fiona Middleton Fiona Middleton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Angela Griffin. The actress secured the role following an audition. She was sceptical that it would lead to much and initially presumed that ...
's (
Angela Griffin Angela Mellissa Griffin (born 19 July 1976) is an English actress, television presenter and director who has been active on British television since the early 1990s. She is best known for portraying the roles of Fiona Middleton in the ITV soa ...
) fiancé, police detective Alan McKenna ( Glen Hugill), persuades Liz to get some inside information on Fraser, who leaves town when he discovers this. His henchman captures Liz and holds her and her sons captive in Number 11, where Liz manages to use her stiletto on the thug and the police arrest him. In 1998, after Jim is badly injured after falling from scaffolding, following a fight with Steve on a building site, he becomes temporarily paralysed, needing physiotherapy and Liz, taking pity on him, moves back in to help take care of him. They grow closer but Liz soon becomes distracted by Jim's physiotherapist, Michael Wall (Dominic Rickhards) and starts an affair with him. Jim, who gradually learns to walk again, is planning to propose but throws Liz out after catching her in bed with Michael, and the two agree to a divorce. Liz and Michael leave Weatherfield for a new life together in Milton Keynes.


2000–2011

Liz returns two years later when Jim is in prison for manslaughter after violently beating
Jez Quigley The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 1997, by order of first appearance. Janice Battersby Brad Armstrong Brad Armstrong is the son of Terry Duckworth ( Nigel Pivaro) and ...
(
Lee Boardman Lee Boardman (born 2 July 1972) is an English actor and narrator. He has appeared in the films ''Jack the Giant Slayer'' and '' Love's Kitchen'', and the television series ''Rome''. Career Boardman played Murray Priestman in '' Drop Dead Gorg ...
) as revenge for Jez beating Steve. She is no longer with Michael. During this time, she and Jim reconcile and remarry in the prison chapel. Liz leaves the Street again, following Jim around as he is transferred from one to another prison, getting jobs nearby so that she can visit. Liz returns for son Steve's marriage to
Karen Phillips Karen Anne Phillips (born 4 May 1966), known after marriage as Karen Anne Higgison, was an Australian butterfly and individual medley swimmer of the 1980s, who won the silver medal in the 200-metre butterfly at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los ...
(
Suranne Jones Sarah Ann Akers (née Jones; born 27 August 1978), known professionally as Suranne Jones, is an English actress and producer. Known for her numerous collaborations with screenwriter Sally Wainwright, she rose to prominence playing Karen McDonal ...
) wedding. Liz meets
Vernon Tomlin Vernon Tomlin is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Ian Reddington. He appeared from December 2005 until September 2008, when the character was written out of the series. The character was the ...
(
Ian Reddington Ian Reddington (born 25 September 1957) is an English actor with many stage and television credits since the early 1980s. He became widely known for television roles such as the Chief Clown in the ''Doctor Who'' serial '' The Greatest Show in t ...
), a workshy drummer. He is very laid-back and totally unlike Jim, but they have fun and Liz feels like a teenager again. The pair split when Liz, tired of being taken for granted and his roving eye, throws him out. He returns, begging her to take him back and they get engaged. When Jim is released, Liz is wary of allowing him into her life. However, impressed by how he has changed, they stay friends, but when Jim corners her on her wedding day, her initial fears are justified. He tells her he loves her and will not allow the marriage to take place, launching a violent attack when Vernon intervenes. Liz suppresses her doubts about marrying Vernon and, determined not to let Jim win, goes ahead. The couple go on honeymoon to Nashville. Vernon and Liz go to view a bar, possibly intending to buy it. Liz admits to Vernon that she would not be happy and no longer loves him, ending their marriage. A devastated Vernon moves out of the Rovers that day. Liz finds herself attracted to builder
Owen Armstrong Owen Armstrong is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Ian Puleston-Davies. He made his first on-screen appearance on 9 June 2010 and left the show on 15 April 2015. During his time on the sho ...
(
Ian Puleston-Davies Ian Puleston-Davies (born 6 September 1958) is a Welsh actor. He is best known for his role as builder Owen Armstrong in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2010 to 2015. In November 2014, ITV announced that Puleston-Davies was leav ...
), who is new to the area and openly flirts with him across the bar. She is disgruntled when he takes
Eileen Grimshaw Eileen Grimshaw (also Phelan) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Sue Cleaver, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 3 May 2000. Her storylines have often incl ...
(
Sue Cleaver Susan Owen (née Cleaver, born 2 September 1963) is an English actress. She is best known for portraying the role of Eileen Grimshaw on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', which she played from 2000 to 2025. In 2024 Cleaver became a pan ...
) on several dates, but tries to hide it. Eventually she and Owen begin dating. In early December 2010, Liz hears rumours that Owen arranged for former husband Jim, to be beaten up. She packs her bags and heads for Andy's home in Spain, leaving Steve to reveal to Owen that the relationship is over. Liz returns to discover that Steve and Becky bought Becky's nephew Max Turner (Harry McDermott) for £20,000, from Becky's sister Kylie (
Paula Lane Paula Lane (born 17 April 1986) is an English actress. She is best known for portraying the roles of Kylie Platt in ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2010–2016), and Ella Forster in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' (2024–2025). Early l ...
). She is further stunned when she learns that Becky looted from the corner shop, on the night of the tram crash three months previously, in order to give Kylie more cash. With the pub now under severe financial pressure, due to Steve and Becky buying Max, Liz is devastated. She makes her contempt for Becky clear from the outset, who responds by kicking Liz out of the pub. A desperate Liz then bumps into Jim, at a hotel she is staying at. She seeks his support as she tells him of the situation that Becky and Steve have got themselves into. He suggests that she buy the pub but the bank manager refuses to give Liz a loan. Jim then suggests that he could buy the pub for Liz, as Steve and Becky decide to leave Weatherfield with Max and Amy. Liz makes her peace with the couple after they agree to the sale. Liz is now convinced that her dreams of owning The Rovers is going to come true and soon realises that she wants Jim to run it with her. The estranged couple soon reconcile. The date for the sale is set for 11 April 2011. Liz and Steve wait patiently at the Rovers, with the solicitor, for Jim to come in with the money for the sale. Liz is astonished when the police suddenly arrive at the pub to tell her that Jim has been caught robbing a bank and now has a number of hostages. Over the phone, Liz and Jim (from inside the bank) speak, he explains that he never had the money but wanted to buy The Rovers to make her happy. A frightened Liz convinces Jim to let the hostages go, discard his firearm and surrender to the police officers waiting outside the building. The day after his arrest, Liz visits Jim in prison and promises to wait for him. However, later that evening she decides to leave without telling Steve and Becky. After they have gone to bed, she leaves the pub and gets a taxi to the airport and flies out to Spain to live with Andy.


2013–2020

Liz returns to the street again in October 2013. It transpires that both Steve and Liz have bought back The Rovers from former landlady,
Stella Price Stella Price is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Michelle Collins. Collins' casting was announced in April 2011 and she began filming her scenes in May. The actress commuted from north Lond ...
(
Michelle Collins Michelle Danielle Collins (born 28 May 1962) is a British actress. She is known for her role as Cindy Beale in the BBC soap opera A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (r ...
), owning 50% each. She reveals she has remained in Spain since she was last in Weatherfield where she owned a villa and a health spa business but sold the health spa to invest in the Rovers when she learnt it was once again up for sale. Liz is stunned when she walks into The Rovers and finds Kylie and
Tina McIntyre Tina McIntyre is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Michelle Keegan, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode that was shown 7 January 2008. The character was central to m ...
(
Michelle Keegan Michelle Keegan (born 3 June 1987) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tina McIntyre in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2008–2014) and Georgie Lane in the BBC military drama '' Our Girl'' (2016–2020). Keegan h ...
) sharing a catfight in front of the bar. Liz and Kylie's friend
Eva Price Eva Price is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Catherine Tyldesley, her character and casting was announced in May 2011 and she made her first appearance on screen on 17 June 2011. Eva was int ...
(
Catherine Tyldesley Catherine Mary Ann Tyldesley (born 17 September 1983) is an English actress, known for her roles as Iris Moss in the BBC drama '' Lilies'' (2007), Eva Price on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2011–2018, 2025–present) and Karen N ...
) attempt to step in, but Liz watches in horror as Kylie accidentally slaps Eva. After throwing both Kylie and Tina out of the pub, Liz discovers that Steve hasn't told his girlfriend
Michelle Connor Michelle Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by former Hear'Say singer Kym Marsh. The character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006. Marsh took maternity l ...
(
Kym Marsh Kimberley Gail Marsh (previously Ryder, Lomas and Ratcliff; born 13 June 1976) is an English actress, television presenter and singer. In 2001, she won a place in the band Hear'Say as a result of appearing on the reality television series ''Pop ...
) that she was co-owner. She is further surprised to learn that Michelle is co-landlady. Following a confrontation with Steve, Michelle resumes her friendship with Liz. Liz begins dating
Tony Stewart Anthony Wayne Stewart (born May 20, 1971), nicknamed "Smoke", is an American semi-retired professional auto racing driver, and former NASCAR team co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. He currently competes in the NHRA Top Fuel class. He is a four-t ...
(Terence Maynard). Later on, Steve sees that Tony isn't the nice man he pretends to be and tries to warn Liz, but she is having none of it and continues her relationship with Tony. Steve is diagnosed with depression and him and Michelle break up, until she declares her love for after he feels guilty when he crashes a bus. Michelle and Steve get engaged and they sell their share of the pub to an unknown company named Travis Limited. On Steve and Michelle's wedding day, however, Tracy Barlow (now portrayed by
Kate Ford Kate Ford (born 29 December 1976) is a British actress. She is known for her portrayal of Tracy Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2002–2007, 2010–present). Ford was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. She attended Qu ...
) tells her that her and Tony have been embarking on an affair and Travis Limited is actually Tony in a bid for them both to own the pub. Tony told Liz to sell the pub to move to Spain, but was actually going to make her sell her share as well to Travis Limited.
Carla Connor Carla Connor (also Gordon and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Alison King. She made her first appearance on screen during the episode airing on 1 December 2006 and introduced a ...
(
Alison King Alison Rosamund King (born 3 March 1973) is an English actress and model. She is known for her roles as Lynda Block in the Sky One drama series '' Dream Team'' (1998–2003, 2005–2007), and Carla Connor in the long-running ITV soap opera '' ...
) decides go instead wrecking Tracy and Tony's plans causing Tracy to plot revenge against Carla. In July 2015 Liz is saddened when she discovers that her best friend Deirdre died whilst staying with her friend
Bev Unwin The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2003, by order of first appearance. Tony Stewart Tony Stewart made his first screen appearance on 2 March 2003. The character was origi ...
(
Susie Blake Susie Blake (born 19 April 1950) is an English television, radio and stage actress. She is best known for her portrayal of the snobbish TV announcer in '' Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV'' and of Bev Unwin in ''Coronation Street'', a role she p ...
). In 2017, Steve had to sell his share of the Rovers as part of his divorce to Michelle so Liz decided to also sell her share and leave her pub. Off-screen in 2020, Liz decided to leave Weatherfield to live with Andy in Spain.


Reception

In a 2021 ''
Radio Times ''Radio Times'' is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in September 1923 by John Reith, then general manage ...
'' poll, Liz was voted as the ninth best "soap pub landlord", receiving 3% of the votes.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:McDonald, Liz Coronation Street characters Fictional bartenders in soap operas Fictional businesspeople in soap operas Fictional bookmakers Fictional receptionists Fictional teenage parents Fictional victims of domestic abuse British female characters in soap operas English female characters in television Television characters introduced in 1989 Fictional hostages and kidnapped people Fictional landlords