Coronation Street legend ‘set for off-screen death’ almost 30 years after ITV soap debut

Coronation Street bosses are allegedly planning to kill off Les Battersby nearly three decades after his first appearance in Weatherfield.

Bruce Jones, the actor who portrayed Les, joined the soap in 1997 with his on-screen family, including his wife Janice (played by Vicky Entwistle), his daughter Leanne (Jane Danson), and stepdaughter Toyah (Georgia Taylor).

For a decade, he played the outspoken taxi driver, becoming a favourite among ITV viewers. However, in upcoming scenes, Les’s daughter Leanne receives a phone call informing her of her father’s death, which she then shares with her sister Toyah.

An insider revealed to The Sun: “It’s a huge snub to kill off a popular character like this. Bruce created one of the Street’s most iconic characters in Les and always hoped one day he might return.”

“Many of the cast and crew have said it’s a bit mean. It’s also bound to infuriate long-term fans who remember Les with great fondness.”, reports Plymouth Live.

A Coronation Street spokesperson stated: “We don’t comment on future storylines.” Last year, Bruce commented: “Les is a legend. I’m so proud of him.”

In February, the soap star made his wrestling debut. Friday night’s episode of Corrie (October 18) included a reference to his new career, with Leanne and Toyah discussing their father being “drunk at the wrestling”.

After Janice and Les’ notorious split due to Janice falling for Dennie Stringer (Charles Dale), Les also started a new relationship with Cilla Brown (Wendi Peters).

He is also well-known for his on-screen clashes with characters such as Martin Platt (Sean Wilson), Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Mick Hopwood (Ian Gain). However, in 2007, actor Bruce exited the soap.

Reports suggested that Bruce’s departure was due to allegations of him getting intoxicated with an undercover journalist, spilling future plot details, and making unsuitable remarks, according to The Mirror.