Les Battersby is reportedly set to be written out of Coronation Street nearly 30 years after his first appearance in Weatherfield.
Bruce Jones, who portrayed the outspoken taxi driver, joined the cast in 1997 with his on-screen family, including wife Janice (played by Vicky Entwistle), daughter Leanne (Jane Danson) and stepdaughter Toyah (Georgia Taylor).
Jones became a firm favourite with ITV audiences during his decade-long stint. However, in an upcoming twist, Leanne will receive a devastating phone call informing her of her father’s death, which she then has to relay to Toyah.
An insider disclosed 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 cast and crew members feel it’s a bit harsh. It’s likely to upset long-standing fans who hold Les dear,” they added. A Coronation Street representative stated: “We don’t comment on future storylines.”, reports Plymouth Live.
Last year, Bruce reflected on his role, saying: “Les is a legend. I’m so proud of him.” In February, the actor made headlines with his wrestling debut.
In a recent episode aired on Friday (October 18), there was a nod to his wrestling activities when Leanne and Toyah joked about their dad being “drunk at the wrestling”.
After the notorious split between Janice and Les following her affair with Dennie Stringer (Charles Dale), Les moved on with Cilla Brown (Wendi Peters).
He also notably had confrontations with characters such as Martin Platt (Sean Wilson), Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Mick Hopwood (Ian Gain). However, in 2007, actor Bruce exited the programme.
Reports suggested that Bruce’s departure was due to allegations of him getting intoxicated with an undercover journalist, leaking future plotlines, and making unsuitable remarks, according to The Mirror.
Coronation Street is on ITV at 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and available to stream from 7am on ITVX