CORONATION Street actor Bruce Jones has revealed ITV have said sorry for telling him that his character was being killed off via email.
The Sun exclusively revealed the show would be killing off the iconic Les Battersby in the next few weeks, but the death would be happening off-screen.
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It determined Bruce’s future on the show with the death meaning there is now little chance he will ever be able to return to the show that he loved.
Speaking out after his exit was revealed, Bruce revealed he had been informed of his departure by an email but has since admitted that the show have reached out once again to apologise for telling him in such a way without warning.
Bruce told GB News: “I’ve had an apology from the press office for [telling me by email] which I’m grateful for.”
He also admitted to the publication that he was left “annoyed” by the wording of the original email, stating: “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.
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“I read the email and thought, why send me an email like that? Why call me Mr. Jones? Why not call me Bruce?
“That annoyed me a little bit, but then I felt relieved. Maybe it’s time for me to go now.”
He further confessed that reaction to the news has apparently not gone down well with fans he has seen out and about since The Sun broke the story.
Bruce said: “I went to watch Manchester City on Sunday and people come up to say, ‘This is ridiculous. They should keep you in.’
“But it’s their decision. It’s not mine. I’ve got no problems with Coronation Street.
“I had ten great years with them, but they (the viewers) are pretty annoyed about it. I say, ‘There’s no point having a go at me, it’s not my fault.’”
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Actor Bruce, 71, played Les in Coronation Street for 10 years until he was suspended for allegedly getting drunk in a restaurant, insulting fans and revealing plots.
Les was written out as a consequence, but die-hard fans have always hoped the character would return one day, especially as his daughter Leanne and step-daughter Toyah are still in Weatherfield.
Next month Les’s daughter Leanne, played by Jane Danson, receives a call telling her that her dad is dead. She then breaks the news to her sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor).
A source said: “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.
“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.”
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