That's Life, So It Is : A candid, raw memoir of TV National Treasure

The iconic actor best known for his role as Jim McDonald in Coronation Street, Lawson unveils a life as dramatic off-screen as his on-screen roles. In his own words, he recounts his shenanigans at boarding school, his experience of the Troubles in his native Northern Ireland, his time at drama school and his first acting roles – as well many boisterous nights out and a short-lived attempt to run an illicit club night in 1980s East London.

As Lawson’s career unfolds, we encounter many fellow actors who are now household names, resulting in many hilarious anecdotes. But he is not afraid to settle scores and call out cases of injustice and abuse in the industry. And he is equally unflinching in his portrayal of his private life, with details of his marriages and personal tragedies.

Fans of Coronation Street will love the details of his nearly three-decade tenure on Britain’s beloved soap – as Lawson shares behind-the-scenes pranks, cast disputes and the chaos of celebrity culture. But the book also provides compelling accounts of the many high-profile theatre, TV and film productions he has been involved in – not to mention his other passions such as horse racing and field sports.