Jason Grimshaw
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. It was announced in October 2015 that Thomas had quit the role of Jason, and the character departed on 29 June 2016. Thomas reprised the role for a brief stint between 30 May and 6 June 2025, to coincide with the permanent departure of Jason's mother, Eileen Grimshaw.
Jason is the son of Eileen Grimshaw and Tony Stewart, but he did not know his father for many years. His younger brother is Todd Grimshaw. Jason's storylines have mostly revolved around his failed relationships with various women including, Sarah Platt, Candice Stowe, Violet Wilson, Becky McDonald, Rosie Webster, Stella Price, Maria Connor and Eva Price. His other storylines have included: being attacked by his enemy Callum Logan ; grieving for his father, Tony, after he dies off-screen; and becoming a suspect in Callum's murder. He leaves Weatherfield after being manipulated by his mother's new boyfriend and later husband, Pat Phelan.
Development
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.Family
The Grimshaws are often portrayed as arguing rivals in their scenes. Jason and his brother Todd Grimshaw are portrayed as "bickering brothers". Jason is often caring to their mother, Eileen Grimshaw. Thomas told a reporter from Soaplife that he and Langley were best friends off-screen.On 15 November 2013, it was announced that Terrance Maynard had been cast as Jason's father Tony Stewart. Tony had been seen in the programme in 2003 played by Alan Igbon. Producer Stuart Blackburn told the official website: "Tony's arrival is going to cause massive ructions for the Grimshaws. He is a man who can be your best friend or your worst enemy, and with a long history of lies and betrayal, this is a guy who has an awful lot of making up to do."
Relationships
In late 2005, Jason began dating Sarah Platt, 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.File:Tina O'Brien.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Jason had a relationship with Sarah Platt played by Tina O'Brien.In 2009, Jason began dating David Platt's ex-girlfriend Tina McIntyre. 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."
In 2010, Jason began a relationship with Rosie Webster. 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. 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.". 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. 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 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." Thomas also added that he will miss Flanagan following her departure from the series. He added: "In real life, she is the funniest person ever. We will , 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."
In 2012, Jason began a relationship with ex-girlfriend Maria Connor played by Samia Ghadie, Thomas praised the plot: "She was one of the first girls he ever went out with. I think he's just done a big round circle and come back. It's been great, I've enjoyed working on it. They've got all the right qualities to last as a couple but you just do not know. Couples do not seem to last too long on Corrie and if they do, there's always things that get in the way of relationships in soaps, so we'll wait and see". Ghadie revealed that filming the scenes with Thomas was more awkward than romantic as she and Thomas are good friends and revealed that it was like kissing her brother.
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 Anne Kirkbride|Annie and we have a right good laugh. I think that would be quite funny. Or Liz McDonald. I'm really pleased Beverley Callard|Bev is coming back. That would cause problems for Steve and I'd love that, to be sat there with his mum on the couch." It was later revealed that Eva Price would be Jason's new love interest despite Jason recently being in a sexual relationship with Eva's mother Stella. 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 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!"