A long-time star of Coronation Street, who has been on the show for 27 years, was reportedly informed of his character’s impending demise via email from show executives. Bruce Jones, known for his role as Les Battersby, received the news that his character will be killed off, with his on-screen daughter Leanne, played by Jane Danson, set to receive the heartbreaking news within the storyline. The decision to write off Les Battersby after such a lengthy tenure on the show has been labelled as a “huge snub” and is expected to upset loyal fans of the soap opera who have followed the character’s journey over the years.
Vicky Entwistle, who portrayed Bruce’s on-screen wife Janice Battersby, confirmed the news when responding to a fan’s tweet expressing shock at the character’s fate. The tweet indicated that Bruce had been informed of his character’s fate a couple of months earlier via email. Sources close to the show have described the decision to kill off Les Battersby as a significant move that may disappoint fans who have fond memories of the character’s time on the cobbles.
The Battersby family, including Les, wife Janice, daughter Leanne, and stepdaughter Toyah, made their debut on Coronation Street in 1997. Bruce portrayed Les for a decade before departing in 2007. Despite Les’ abrupt exit from the show due to off-screen controversies, his character did not receive an on-screen exit storyline. Instead, it was later revealed that he was living in Dublin and working as a roadie with an Irish tribute band.
After leaving Coronation Street, Bruce pursued other opportunities, including stand-up comedy and reality television appearances. His contribution to the iconic character of Les Battersby has left a lasting impact on the show and its viewers. The news of his character’s demise marks the end of an era for both the actor and the beloved character he brought to life on screen.
In a surprising turn of events, fans of the show and supporters of Bruce Jones are left to reflect on the end of an era as Les Battersby’s journey on Coronation Street comes to a close. With the soap opera known for its dramatic twists and turns, this latest development is sure to evoke mixed emotions among avid viewers and dedicated fans of the long-running series.