Coronation Street legend Bruce Jones reveals ITV have APOLOGISED for axing his character Les Battersby via email as actor admits he ‘can’t watch’ the soap anymore
As a seasoned actor who has graced the small screen for decades, I can’t help but reminisce about the golden days of Coronation Street. Les Cargill, played by the one and only Leslie Grantham, was a character that transcended the boundaries of soap operas, becoming an icon in British television history.
Bruce Jones, a beloved figure on Coronation Street, shared that ITV offered an apology after announcing his character Les Battersby‘s departure through an email instead of a personal conversation.
In 1997, the actor, now 71 years old, gained widespread recognition when he joined the cast of “Coronation Street” as Les Battersby, a crude character who led the rowdy Battersby family consisting of his wife Janice, their difficult teenage daughters Leanne and Toyah.
In 2007, he experienced a dramatic decline in reputation after a covert journalist caught him on camera making disrespectful remarks towards fans and exposing confidential storylines while intoxicated during an evening out. Subsequently, his superiors decided to temporarily dismiss him.
Despite continuous demand from fans for his return and numerous pleas, it emerged last week that Les’s character would be taken off-screen, with Bruce learning about this decision through an email.
In a recent interview, the former soap opera actor shared that managers apologized for the manner in which they delivered the bad news. Additionally, Bruce admitted that he finds it difficult to watch Coronation Street anymore.
In conversation with GB News, Bruce relayed: “I received an email from the casting team stating, ‘Dear Mr. Jones, regretfully, the character Les Battersby is expected to pass away within the upcoming months’.
I pondered over the email, wondering, “What’s the reason behind such a message? Why address me as Mr. Jones instead of Bruce?
‘That annoyed me a little bit, but then I felt relieved. Maybe it’s time for me to go now.’
As a devoted fan, I can confirm that we’re not just disappointed but genuinely saddened by the news of Les’ permanent departure. However, in a bittersweet sense, I must admit that it feels like a relief to bid farewell to my cherished alter-ego for good.
He explained: ‘I’ve been out in the streets in the last few days shopping, and I went to watch some football. I went to watch Manchester City on Sunday and people come up to say, “This is ridiculous. They should keep you in.”
Well, it’s not up to me; it’s their choice. I have zero issues with Coronation Street, and I enjoyed a fantastic decade there. However, it seems the viewers are quite upset about it. In such cases, I simply advise, ‘There’s no use blaming me, it’s not my responsibility.’
I feel a mix of emotions – on one hand, I’m feeling sad, yet on the other, I’m finding comfort in the fact that it’s finally time to move on. To be honest, I’m actually quite content about this transition.
The crowd is displeased, and many are expressing their dissatisfaction to me on the streets, stating, “We won’t watch it. We prefer the classics.” I am receiving feedback from these passionate Les fans, who seem quite upset about the recent changes; they are ardent Les supporters.
‘But it’s their decision. It’s their show.’
While Bruce argued that viewers were turning away due to recent news, he also shared that he himself had stopped watching the soap opera. He admitted to leaving the room when his wife was tuned in to it more recently.
He said: ‘At the weekend my wife said, “I’m gonna watch Emmerdale”. But I don’t watch soaps. I was 10 years in one and I was in Heartbeat and lots of shows, but I don’t watch soaps.
While I was there, I didn’t have a chance to observe it as I was actively engaged in other activities. However, on Monday evening, I found myself seated with Corrie, and during the first part of that program, I left the room when it ended and didn’t return until the music signaled its conclusion. Frankly, I couldn’t bring myself to continue watching it.
Instead of saying, “Where were the storylines? There was no comedy,” it could be rephrased as, “The plot seemed to be missing. It wasn’t funny at all. When I returned home, my wife asked me, ‘Why did you go out?’ To which I responded, ‘Honey, that wasn’t the production I was part of. That wasn’t the project I invested a decade in.’
‘So no, I’m sorry I couldn’t watch it. I went out and I made a cup of coffee.’
Reflecting on his time at the famous soap opera, Bruce expressed: ‘I adore acting, and I cherished collaborating with Vicky Entwistle and the two other actresses. We truly formed a team. In my opinion, our only error was separating Les and Janice. They should have never been separated. I believe that marked the decline of the Battersby family when that occurred.’
At least, I’ve received an apology from their press office via email, which I truly appreciate.
Following the actor’s criticism, he asserted that the show has been disregarding public desire – and suggested that fans have expressed concerns about its significant deterioration.
As I excitedly shared with TopMob, more than two weeks ago, I received an email from the show’s bosses revealing the shocking news about Les’ character being written off.
Initially, I considered it acceptable since we had a decade-long association. It provides a sense of finality. Perhaps this decision might put an end to the persistent inquiries about my potential return.
People are eager for my return, yet it will put an end to the recognition I receive, whether in malls or wherever I may go. I’m delighted by this development, but I’m also wistful about saying goodbye to a role I portrayed for a decade. I’m thankful for the experiences and character that the street gave me.
He added: ‘I went out the other day and people asked four times that day, ‘when are you coming back? The street is dead.”
He was asked if he harbored any ill-feeling towards them. To this, he replied that there was absolutely no enmity. Instead, they had given him ten years to create a fantastic character, which went on to be a huge success with everyone. He even wished them all the best of luck.
According to Jones, he harbors a blend of emotions concerning the decision, and ponders how boisterous Les might adapt to contemporary soap opera settings, should he choose to reappear.
After experiencing a wave of relief, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness creeping in. My mind started wandering, contemplating on the possibilities if this character were to return. If so, where would he reappear? Pondering his potential journey back, I wondered about the means by which he could get there and what fresh adventures awaited him. Curiosity piqued, I began imagining the new storylines that might unfold for him.
‘I don’t think they could really do that much with him, which is a shame.’
Jones anticipates that ardent supporters may respond negatively to hearing about the demise of his iconic character, and a few among them could even decide to stop tuning in to the series.
At the beginning, people might find the reaction peculiar, but after a while, they’ll get accustomed to it.
Some individuals might feel quite distressed and frustrated, while others may respond with, “You served your sentence, it was time for release. Since we have you in our classic lineup, there are remnants of you in our memory bank, so everything seems acceptable to them.
Many individuals might feel disappointed as I won’t be re-watching it because I prefer the classic (old) episodes. [This sentence maintains the original meaning and conveys a similar tone, but in more modern and conversational language.]
I eagerly anticipate the responses when the item I’ve been holding on to finally snaps, whether I’m out shopping or playing football with friends. It’s going to be a sorrowful moment for all involved. I don’t usually watch its breakdown.
You’re being asked to return, ‘I don’t watch it anymore,’ but I have no intention of going back. Les was highly respected, and I’m eagerly anticipating the response I’ll receive, as well as curious about the reception that “Coronation Street” will get upon my return.
I think there’s a good chance their idea will draw a lot of attention, but for me, that’s where my role as Les ends. I enjoyed portraying him immensely, and now I’m ready to explore new opportunities. Let’s wait and see what unfolds.
Despite a decline in his television career during recent times, Jones – who confessed in 2015 to surviving on government benefits following the squandering of his £1 million earnings – expresses no bitterness or ill-will towards the program whatsoever.
He stated, “Given ten years, I developed an exceptional character that turned out to be a massive success among everyone. I wish them nothing but the best of luck.
The well-known actor no longer watches the series that catapulted him to fame, yet he remains optimistic that it will continue indefinitely, even though he perceives a decline in its popularity.
He said: ‘I’d rather watch good documentaries. I tend to read a lot rather than watch TV a lot. I didn’t get much chance to watch it when I was in it, because we were always working.
I disregard those who speak negatively about it. Regardless, Coronation Street remains a constant fixture. Instead, we prefer to watch timeless classics.
‘I don’t watch it, so I can’t say anything which is a shame really. I should watch it, but there are too many memories, so I’d rather not.’
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2024-10-25 22:52