Jason Grimshaw
Jason Grimshaw | |
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Coronation Street character | |
Paul Cheveski Martin Cheveski |
Jason Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by Ryan Thomas, the character first appeared on screen on 25 December 2000.[2] It was announced in October 2015 that Thomas had quit the role of Jason, and the character departed on 29 June 2016.
Jason is the son of
Casting
In late 2000, it was announced that two younger boys were to join the cast of Coronation Street. Ryan Thomas and Bruno Langley were cast in the roles of brothers Jason and Todd Grimshaw, the 17- and 15-year-old sons of Streetcars controller Eileen. Jason was originally going to be called James. The family moved into Liz and Jim McDonald's old house on the street. Producers hoped Thomas and Langley would achieve the same heartthrob status as Adam Rickitt, who played Nick Tilsley for two years before leaving to pursue a pop career. "We thought it was time for some good looking boys," said a spokeswoman.[3]
Development
Family
The Grimshaws are often portrayed as arguing rivals in their scenes.[4] Jason and his brother Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) are portrayed as "bickering brothers". Jason is often caring to their mother, Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver). Thomas told a reporter from Soaplife that he and Langley were best friends off-screen.[5]
On 15 November 2013, it was announced that Terrance Maynard had been cast as Jason's father
Relationships
In late 2005, Jason began dating Sarah Platt portrayed by Tina O'Brien, they had an on off relationship and were due to marry in 2006. Speaking of the storyline Thomas said: "Jason was thinking about getting married in four years rather than four months. It was just a gesture, and that’s all he wanted it to be. He thought they would just get engaged and they didn’t have to get married for ages yet. It was more of a stepping stone for him. It has come round quickly for Jason, and he is sort of being pushed into it. He doesn’t want to lose Sarah so he is going along with it because he does actually love her." Asked if Jason would settle down Thomas also said: "He's had a bit of a past and he's a bit of a Jack The Lad around Charlie but on this occasion, for once, he's actually showing some grown-up qualities and, when faced with the prospect of losing Sarah, he chose to bite the bullet. There's no grey area with Jason because there's not that much grey matter! Everything's in black and white. It's either marry Sarah and keep her or don't marry Sarah and lose her forever." Speaking about if Jason will also be able to handle Bethany, Thomas said: "He certainly will – he pulls her to one side during the ceremony and makes her a pledge. He realises he can't have Sarah without Beth – they come as a package." The storyline resulted in Jason leaving Sarah and also resulted in Sarah leaving the street for a new life abroad with Beth. leaving Jason alone and upset.[7]
In 2009, Jason began dating David Platt's ex-girlfriend Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan). Speaking of the storyline, Thomas said "I just thought it was really good for their storylines because I knew it'd bring the Platts and the Grimshaws back together in their usual warring ways. Who could forget the famous fight on the cobbles between Gail and Eileen? I think at some point that'll come again. There's always banter from one side of the Street to the other." Asked what attracts Tina to Jason, Thomas replied: "I think it's because she's quite full-on with Jason. She made a big effort with him in the beginning, so he just played off that and spiced up his life a bit in the process. He wanted a bit more fun than just sitting there having a pint in The Rovers every day." It all came a little out of the blue, did not it? "Yeah, Jason completely wasn't aware that Tina fancied him. She had to come onto him to make him realise, but as soon as he got the sign, he was in there! It doesn't take him long to get his pants off! I think Jason was playing with the situation a bit as well to see what he could get out of her. When he started getting the right signals, he just thought 'I might as well have a go'. They seem to be very happy at the moment."[8]
In 2010, Jason began a relationship with Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan). Teasing the storyline, Thomas said "It's going to be a very feisty, sexy relationship between the two characters." Asked if the Jason and Rosie pairing could work, Thomas admitted that with Jason's track record anything could happen.[9] In October 2010, Flanagan commented on the storyline: ""Trust the writers to give it to me! I didn't have time to worry about it – or hit the gym! Ryan and I are like brother and sister so the first kiss was weird, but once we got that out of the way it was fine. "It wasn't as passionate as it looked as Ryan was in agony from an infected tooth. But I'm glad Rosie has got a boyfriend – it shows she has a heart.".[10] In December that year Jason rescues Simon Barlow from No.13 after it caught fire after the Joinery exploded.
In February 2012, Thomas said he wants "fun" times for Jason after the departure of Rosie.[11] In an interview with Lorraine about what could be next for Jason, Thomas commented: "I know the direction it's going. I'm not allowed to say too much about it, but I know that they're putting me with [different] people and I don't know what's going to happen there. But that should be exciting for him. I just want Jason to have a bit of fun. He's been tied to that relationship and he always seems to get into relationships too quickly."[11] Thomas also added that he will miss Flanagan following her departure from the series.[11] He added: "In real life, she is the funniest person ever. We will [miss her], yeah. Obviously a lot of people come and go over the years, but when you work so closely with someone… She's a massive character and she will be missed. They've kept the door wide open for Helen. People like to spread their wings, go out there and see what the real world is about, because we're a big bubble in that show. We wish Helen all the best."[11]
In 2012, Jason began a relationship with ex-girlfriend
On 26 June 2013, it was reported that Jason would have a new romance. Asked who Jason's ideal woman would be, Thomas told the Sunday Mirror: "I'd pick Deirdre. I love Annie [Kirkbride] and we have a right good laugh. I think that would be quite funny. Or Liz McDonald. I'm really pleased Bev [Callard] is coming back. That would cause problems for Steve and I'd love that, to be sat there with his mum on the couch."[13] It was later revealed that Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) would be Jason's new love interest despite Jason recently being in a sexual relationship with Eva's mother Stella (Michelle Collins).[14] It was revealed that Stella would be livid that her daughter is dating her ex, but eventually calms down as she already has enough to worry about as her killer partner Karl Munro (John Michie) has left the street in dramatic circumstances. Speaking of the romance, Tyldesley said to ITV: "She's never really entertained the thought of anything serious with Jason in the past, obviously especially because he used to be with her mum. But she just begins to see that he's a really genuine, nice sweet guy. "Whilst Jason and Eva are trying to help Stella out, there is a little bit of flirting that starts, and Sean kindly points out to Eva how fit Jason is! She continued: "We can expect, as always, a lot more drama for the Prices. Obviously Jason used to be with Stella, so when Stella finds out that there's a little bit of cavorting going on between him and her daughter, things might blow up a little bit. God knows what Gloria's going to say!"[15]
Departure
On 7 October 2015, it was announced that Thomas would be leaving the soap at the end of his contract. In a statement, Thomas explained: "It has been a great privilege to be in Coronation Street for the past 15 years. The cast and crew are amongst the best in the business and to have had the chance to be a part of it for so long has been an amazing experience. The decision to leave was an extremely difficult one but I felt that now was the right time to spread my wings and try other roles. I'm just excited now to see what exit storyline the writers give Jason." Producer Stuart Blackburn said: "Ryan has been an important part of Coronation Street for 15 years. We wish him every success when he moves on next year and we appreciate his desire to try new things."[16] He departed from the show on 29 June 2016.
Storylines
Jason is the eldest son of
Although Jason has had many romances, all of them were short-lived since he has a fear of commitment. He has had many flings with street residents,
Out of revenge for his family disowning him, David loosens the bolts on the scaffolding at the builder's yard on 22 October 2007, a week before Jason and Sarah's wedding. Later, David decides that it was a bad idea, however he gets to the builder's yard to see Jason leaning on the balcony. When Bill jumps on him as a joke, the two of them fall onto the street below, Bill on top of Jason.[17] In the hospital, Jason is told that he might not walk again for some time. He is on crutches at his and Sarah's wedding.
Sarah asks Jason to take her wedding dress to the cleaners but he accidentally leaves it in Roy's Rolls where David picks it up and puts it in a puddle before putting it in a bin bag with other bits and pieces that the Morton kids get from their neighbours. The Mortons' Guy Fawkes gets first prize and, as the dress burns, Sarah recognises it as her wedding dress before Jason admits that he lost it. Sarah knows immediately that David was responsible. Jason, Sarah and her daughter Bethany (Amy & Emily Walton) are set to leave for Milan on 30 December 2007, after Sarah gets a job from her uncle Stephen (Todd Boyce). Jason backs out when Sarah admits that she planted drugs in David's drawer at the salon, thereby ruining his chances of Stephen offering him the job in Italy.
On New Year's Eve 2007, Jason and Becky Granger (Katherine Kelly) kiss as the midnight bells chimes, and on 1 February 2008, they have sex. Jason regrets it afterwards and visits Sarah in Milan to tell her he had cheated on her with Becky. Instead of forgiving him, she attacks him, giving him a black eye. When he returns to the Street, Becky hits him too.[18]
Several months later, Jason and Becky have sex again and they become a couple. However, they argue when Jason wants a night in alone. In October 2008, Jason discovers that Sarah is considering coming home. He immediately phones her and she agrees to give him another chance. Meanwhile, he is preparing to move in with Becky but dumps her and flies to Italy. Becky later attacks him in the Rovers for his betrayal.[19] Everything backfires for Jason when he subsequently discovers that Sarah has decided to reconcile with her Italian boyfriend, just as he is going to Milan to meet her. On 16 February 2009, Jason and Becky sleep together and reunite after revealing that he and Sarah are divorcing. To prove to Becky that he is serious this time, he proposes and she accepts. Unfortunately, Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) also proposes to Becky and although she initially decides to marry Jason, she realises she can not go through with it and calls off the engagement.
In June 2009, Jason sleeps with David's ex-girlfriend
On 2 April 2010, Jason gets drunk in the Rovers after Tina calls off their engagement. He later returns to the builder's yard where he is told to go home. However, when he turns to leave, Jason falls down the stairs[20] and is rendered unconscious. He is taken to the hospital where he appears to be fine, apart from losing the memory of him and Tina breaking up. Eileen, worried about what he'll do, visits Tina's house where she informs her of Jason's amnesia, but Tina doesn't believe her. Jason's memory soon returns.
Upon finding out Tina is now dating Graeme Proctor, he is angry that Tina slept with Graeme while she was with him and locks her out of the flat. Then he teams up with David (who was Graeme's best friend) to humiliate Tina and Graeme further; first by David using Graeme's clothes to mop up water (Graeme had handcuffed David to the Platts' radiator, and David then pulled it off the wall.) David then cut the hoods off Graeme's hoodies and the peaks off his caps and Jason throws binbags of Tina's clothes on top of her from the house's windows, all in front of a crowd. Satisfied, David and Jason end their partnership but remain close friends.
On 24 September 2010, Jason is recruited by a half-naked Rosie Webster to drive her in Kevin's car to Sheffield to pick up Sophie (Brooke Vincent) and her girlfriend Sian (Sacha Parkinson) after they ran away together. Immediately, there is chemistry between the pair; on 18 October, Rosie books Owen to come round and redecorate the kitchen after the oven catches fire whilst Sally and Kevin are away. On the 21st, whilst Jason is busy with the Websters' kitchen, and Rosie is looking for a cab to take her to an important modelling job, she mentions that it is 'underwear modelling', so Jason offers to be her driver. With Jason not knowing what a 'green screen' is and the male model going AWOL, Rosie volunteers Jason to step in, and the pair complete the photoshoot together; with Jason looking very pleased with himself when they get home, they sleep together. The next day, Jason thinks he has done something wrong as Rosie is evasive and not paying him for the work he did on the kitchen; she eventually pays him and he buys her a 'fake' version of the handbag that she wanted and the pair sleep together again and agree to start dating.
When the Joinery bar exploded, bringing a tram off the viaduct which smashes into the Corner Shop and The Kabin, Jason helps to rescue people who are trapped, including going into No.13 (which is in flames) to find Simon Barlow (Alex Bain). He finds him in a cupboard upstairs and they both escape, assisted by the fire brigade. Upon escaping, he is thanked gratefully by the Barlow family and praised by the residents for his courage. With Jason and Rosie living together, they start the new year looking out for Sophie and Sian as they get kicked out of the Websters. When Graeme convinces Claire to run away after she admits to the police that she attacked Tracy Barlow, Jason helps her and her sons escape and drives her to the airport, on 14 January. On 17 January, Eileen's money troubles get a lot worse, and number 11 starts crumbling around her; she seeks help from an insurance firm but when Jason spots a man lurking at the back of the house, he thinks he is trying to spy on Rosie and punches him, only to discover that he is the insurance inspector, which of course, affects the result and Eileen can not claim a penny.
On 4 February, after Rosie agrees to go to a "mother and baby" photo shoot, which "pays a fortune", they convince Kevin to let them have Jack for the day but disaster strikes when they accidentally bring home a baby girl. Jason spots this, and just as they are about to swap the babies back, Kevin walks in and demands the truth. Jason admits what happened and Kevin goes looking for his son. He finds Jack but warns Rosie to stay away, expressing his disappointment in her. Despite this, Jason is good friends with Kevin and supports him when he wins £200,000 on a scratchcard. When Kevin is almost crushed to death at the garage when his new car ramp malfunctions, Jason joins Rosie and her family at the hospital. Kevin orders Jason to call the ramp manufacturers to find the fault and threaten legal action if necessary. When it's revealed that the ramp was damaged deliberately, Jason is shocked and disgusted that someone would try to kill Kevin.
In June, Jason celebrates his 28th birthday and Becky hosts a party for him in the Rovers. However, she orders a stripper and the party turns to all-out mayhem when
Jason rekindles his relationship with
In 2014, Tony (Terence Maynard) turns up at the Eileen's house, wanting to rekindle his relationship with Jason. He begins a relationship with Eileen's friend,
When Todd is disowned by Eileen, he moves into a run-down flat, but he later gets a job at Barlow's Buys, impressing Eileen, who realises that he is trying to make amends, but Jason is not convinced. Eileen agrees to lunch with Todd, at 'Nick's Bistro', but when Jason talks her out of it, Todd realises that he has been stood up and heads home. As Todd walks home, he is attacked by a gang of youths and ends up in hospital, where he discovers that his face will be scared for life. Eileen and Jason, believing that Todd truly wants to change, forgive him and he moves back in with Eileen. However, Todd vows revenge on the pair, for not turning up to lunch at the bistro, as he thinks that they are the reason that he was attacked. As time passes, Eva plans for her and Jason to buy a house, but after Jason reveals that he cannot afford it, Eva asks Tony to lend them the deposit, to which he agrees. When Tony and Eva attend an auction at a hotel, Todd lets on to Jason that they are having an affair, to which Jason goes to the hotel and punches Tony and calls Eva a 'dirty slag'. When Jason realises that he has made a mistake and that Tony and Eva were actually planning on buying a house, to surprise him, Eva dumps Jason, for not trusting her. Although he pleads for her forgiveness and even proposes to her, Eva decides to leave for France, in order to think things through, but Jason is devastated, after discovering from her sister, Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), that Eva is now happily engaged to a French man.
In August 2015, Jason stands up for Sarah against
Eva returns in September 2015 and rekindles with Jason, however she becomes upset when Jason throws her out for feeling sorry for him. In 2016, Jason found out that his father Tony had died of a heart attack. Jason blamed Liz McDonald for Tony's death, which he said that if it was not for Liz, Tony would not have left and that Tony's death would have been prevented. In May 2016, after being rejected by Eva, he took Callum's friend
In 2020, it was mentioned that Jason was self-isolating off-screen in Thailand, after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.
Reception
Thomas was nominated for the "Sexiest Male" accolade at the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2014 British Soap Awards.[22][23][24][25] Laura-Jayne Tyler from Inside Soap joked that Jason had the "Best Torso" of 2016 Coronation Street.[26]
References
- ^ Kris Green (2 February 2010). "Jason proposes to Tina – Coronation Street Spoiler – Soaps". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ "Character news and videos | Coronation Street – ITV Soaps". Itv.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2009. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
- ^ Published Friday, 12 Jan 2001, 11:11 GMT (12 January 2001). "Two new teenagers hit Street – TV News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - The People. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
- ^ Baker, Tina (27 October – 1 November 2003). "Off-street pals". Soaplife (55): 5.
- ^ "'Coronation Street' casts Jason's dad". Digital Spy. 15 November 2013.
- ^ Green, Kris (11 August 2006). "Ryan Thomas". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ Published Tuesday, 30 Jun 2009, 06:00 BST (30 June 2009). "Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw, Corrie) – Coronation Street Interview – Soaps". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Published Tuesday, 28 Sep 2010, 17:13 BST (28 September 2010). "Ryan Thomas teases Jason, Rosie romance – Coronation Street News – Soaps". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Published Saturday, 23 Oct 2010, 12:45 BST (23 October 2010). "Flanagan: 'Kissing Ryan Thomas was weird' – Coronation Street News – Soaps". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (6 February 2012). "'Coronation Street' Ryan Thomas: 'I want fun scenes for Jason'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (2 August 2012). "Corrie star backs Jason, Maria plot". Digital Spy.
- ^ Daniels, Colin (16 June 2013). "Corrie's Jason to get new love interest". Digital Spy.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 August 2013). "Corrie: Surprise romance for Eva Price". Digital Spy.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (16 September 2013). "Corrie Eva romance 'will cause drama'". Digital Spy.
- ^ Hegarty, Tasha (6 October 2015). "Coronation Street's Ryan Thomas is quitting the soap: 'It's been a great privilege to be in Corrie'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- ^ "Coronation Street-Jason Falls From The Scaffolding".
- What's on TV?. 25 January 2008. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (4 September 2008). "Corrie prepares for dramatic fight scene – Coronation Street News – Soaps". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
- ^ "Jason falls down the stairs! – Episode – Coronation Street – What's on TV".
- ^ "Coronation Street spoilers: Eva Price and Jason Grimshaw get passionate – first look pictures".
- ^ Hilton, Beth; Green, Kris (3 May 2008). "The British Soap Awards 2008: The Winners". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Green, Kris; Kilkelly, Daniel (9 May 2009). "British Soap Awards 2009: The Winners". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Green, Kris; Kilkelly, Daniel (8 May 2010). "British Soap Awards 2010: The Winners". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel; Dainty, Sophie (24 May 2014). "British Soap Awards 2014 – winners in full". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Tyler, Laura-Jane (31 December 2016 – 6 January 2017). "The Inside... Out! End of Year Report". Inside Soap. No. 52. p. 98.