Corrie fans – an unexpected twist has left viewers both stunned and saddened, according to Coronation Street spoilers! Les Battersby, the loud and lively taxi driver portrayed by Bruce Jones, will not be returning to Weatherfield as many had hoped. Instead, Coronation Street has decided on an off-screen exit for Les, and the most shocking part? Bruce Jones only found out about his character’s fate through a rather impersonal email from the casting office.
Les’s Fate Revealed Via Email
In an interview with GB News, Bruce Jones shared his shock and disappointment, explaining, “I got an email from the casting office saying, ‘Dear Mr Jones, I am sorry to inform you Les Battersby will die in the next few months.’” The actor revealed he was caught off guard by the message and was particularly frustrated by its formality. “I read the email and thought, ‘Why send me an email like that? Why call me Mr. Jones? Why not call me Bruce?’”
The news hit him hard, but Bruce has come to terms with it, admitting, “Maybe it’s time for me to go now.” He later received an apology from the show’s press office, which helped soften the blow. But for a character as loved as Les, this kind of goodbye feels far from fitting.
A Quiet Farewell for a Not-So-Quiet Character
Les Battersby brought a special brand of humour, chaos, and relatability to Coronation Street. For over a decade, his on-screen antics kept viewers entertained and guessing what trouble he’d get into next. Remembered for his clashes with Ken Barlow, his tight bond with Chesney, and his unique approach to family life, Les was anything but a quiet presence on the cobbles. This off-screen exit has left many fans disappointed, feeling as though Les deserved a dramatic, on-screen farewell.
For Bruce, who has embraced new ventures like wrestling since his departure from Corrie, this quiet end was not what he envisioned for his character. However, he’s taken it in his stride. “People come up to me on the street saying, ‘This is ridiculous, they should keep you in.’ But it’s their decision. I’ve got no problems with Corrie – I had ten great years with them,” he said, acknowledging the emotional bond both he and the fans have with Les.
Fans Voice Their Frustration
For a character as spirited as Les, an email feels like an underwhelming send-off, leaving fans wanting more. Viewers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with many reminiscing about Les’s glory days and how they imagined he’d return. “It’s a slap in the face to kill off such a beloved character like this,” commented one fan.
Bruce, too, shares this sentiment, admitting that the news was “a bit of a let-down.” He explained, “I tried watching Corrie with my wife the other night, but it’s just not the same.” His exit, marked by an email, has sparked debates over whether the cobbles are losing their old charm and comic edge.
The End of An Era
Les Battersby may not get the farewell he deserves, but his memory remains a staple of Coronation Street. His daughters, Leanne and Toyah, remain central to Weatherfield’s unfolding drama, leaving a lingering connection to their father’s legacy. While the cobbles may have changed, Les’s spirit lives on in the hearts of Corrie fans – and his character’s impact on the street will not be forgotten.
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