Corrie: Leanne Battersby tells Nick Tilsley to leave
Coronation Street is set to shock fans by axing former Weatherfield regular Les Battersby nearly 30 years after his memorable entry onto the famed cobbles.
Bruce Jones, who portrayed the outspoken taxi driver since bursting onto the scene in 1997 with his on-screen family, quickly secured his place as a firm favourite with ITV audiences. Despite his characters popularity, viewers will soon learn through Leanne Battersby, played by Jane Danson, that her father has met an untimely death after she receives the devastating phone call.
This sets the stage for an emotional revelation to her sister Toyah, interpreted by Georgia Taylor.
Insiders told 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."
They also highlighted discontent within the ranks, noting that: "A lot 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.
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Meanwhile, Corrie representatives maintain their stance with a spokeswoman stating: "We don't comment on future storylines." Bruce fondly recalled his role last year, saying: "Les is a legend. I'm so proud of him."
Adding to his repertoire, the soap veteran entered the wrestling ring earlier this year. The show hasnt missed a chance for a sly nod to Jones latest endeavour; just last Friday (October 18), there was a small quip about Les being "drunk at the wrestling" dropped casually into a conversation between Leanne and Toyah.
After the well-known split between Janice, portrayed by Vicky Entwistle, and Les due to her romance with Dennie Stringer (Charles Dale), Les too found love again with Cilla Brown (Wendi Peters).
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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 suggest 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.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
