Ed Jackson

Thomas Edward "Ed" Jackson is a minor, but prominent, antagonist in Coronation Street. First appearing briefly in 1978 as Tommo, he was responsible for shooting and killing Emily Bishop's husband Ernest when he and a friend attempted to rob Baldwin's Casuals. He resurfaced in the show in 2005, where he was remorseful for his actions and attempted to make peace with Emily.

The character was originally played by Dave Parke in his 1978 appearances, and then by Chris Walker from 2005 to 2006.

History
Ed, along with his friend Dave Lester, both staged a robbery at Baldwin's Casuals in 1978 when they wanted to get hold of the wage packets. They held up Ernest Bishop in the office and demanded he hands over the bag of money. While Ernest is in the process of doing so, the boss Mike Baldwin walks in and interupts them, and Ed accidentally pulls the trigger and shoots Ernest. Both men make off with the wage packets and Ernest dies from his injuries.

A few days later both men were arrested and later given life sentences.

27-years later Ed was released from prison and a changed man. However Ernest's death still troubled him and he began attending a church where Ernest's widow Emily attended. He befriended her, and also got into a relationship with her neighbour Eileen Grimshaw. However Ed later confessed to Emily and told her he felt guilty for what happened. Disgusted, Emily told him to leave and Ed departed the street.

When Emily later talked to a Reverend, she discovered that Ed was contemplating suicide. Emily went round to his flat and discovered he was leaving for London and begged him not to kill himself as she didn't want his death on her conscience. Forgiving Ed, she gave him Ernest's camera and told him to send her a picture of him every year to let her know he was alright.