Liz Mc Donald - Development

Development

In August 2010, it was announced that Charles Lawson would be returning to play Jim McDonald. Callard revealed that the relationship is never boring ans said that Liz still loves Jim. 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 she Callard said: "It's a fantastic exit and it's absolutely massive, but Liz may not be leaving on her own!"

In August 2003, it was reported that three big Coronation Street characters would be returning; Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear), Jim McDonald (Charlie Lawson) and Liz for a six week stint. It was reported that Liz would reunite with her family in episodes set in 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 (Simon Gregson)'s wedding to Karen Philips (Suranne Jones), she said to the News of the World: 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".

In November 2008, it was revelaed that Liz would imbark on a relationship with Lloyd Mullaney played by Craig Charles. 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.

On October 20, 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 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 March 2011, rumours of Liz's exit started. According to The Sun, poignant scenes on the ITV1 soap will 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 is thought that bosses want the scenes to mirror the way iconic Rovers favourite Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) departed the cobbles in 1995.

After ex-husband Jim (Charles Lawson) 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; 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 leaves for the airport with her last words being, "Go for it".