Les to leave Coronation Street

Updated 07.27 Thu May 31 2007

Keywords: Coronation Street, Les Battersby, Bruce Jones

Coronation Street actor Bruce Jones, who plays scheming resident Les Battersby, is to leave the show, ITV has said.

The 54-year-old is currently suspended from the soap over claims of drunken antics in a family restaurant.

"I have had a fantastic time at Coronation Street, but the time has come to move on and try my hand at other things" - Bruce Jones

Les arrived on the street in June 1997 with loudmouth wife Leanne and daughters Janice and Toyah. He soon became a popular character on the Street for the past decade, until his suspension in March.

A newspaper reported that Jones launched into a foul-mouth tirade at the Old Rectory restaurant in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

It was alleged he insulted fans and discussed forthcoming Coronation Street storylines - including the outcome of the ongoing Tracy Barlow trial. Jones is understood to deny the newspaper allegations strenuously.

ITV said his character will be written out of the soap, and a brief statement read: "ITV today announced that Bruce Jones will not be returning to his role of Les Battersby on Coronation Street."

It continued: "Bruce's current contract will not be renewed when it ends in September of this year. The character of Les will not be seen back on screen.

"His absence is currently explained by nature of the fact that Les is travelling as a roadie for a tribute band. A decision is yet to be made as to how the character will be written out.

"It is likely to be linked to the departure of his wife Cilla - actress Wendi Peters had already decided to leave the show in September at the end of her current contract."

Producer Steve Frost said: "Bruce's portrayal of Les Battersby meant that Les quickly became a classic Coronation Street character who will be remembered for many years to come.

"However, after 10 great years we feel we have reached the end of the road with storylines for Les. We wish Bruce all the best for the future."

The statement included a quote from the actor. He said: "I have had a fantastic time at Coronation Street, but the time has come to move on and try my hand at other things.

"I have already had some very exciting offers and am looking forward to what the future holds."