Petition launched to bring broke Les Battersby actor Bruce Jones back to Coronation Street
The actor is currently on the dole
A Coronation Street fan has launched an online petition to bring Les Battersby actor Bruce Jones back to Coronation Street.
The petition was sparked following 62-year-old Bruce’s appearance on Channel 5 documentary Celebs On Benefits: Fame To Claim earlier this month.
Since being axed from Corrie in 2007 for allegedly revealing storylines to an undercover reporter while drunk, Bruce has had two homes repossessed and squandered his £1million fortune while battling alcoholism.
Now a resident of Betws yn Rhos village in North Wales, Bruce, whose marriage also collapsed, receives subsidised rent and lives on the Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Touched by Bruce’s financial woes, Les Battersby fan Ian O’Hagan set up the petition and says he believes Bruce “deserves a second chance” and wants him to revive his role as the head of the Battersby family.
“Everyone deserves a second chance - we all make mistakes. It is hoped the online petition brings back a character who is much-loved by millions," Ian told the Liverpool Echo.
“Les was funny and light-hearted and Coronation Street is in need of some humour - that’s what makes it what it is.
“It’s about time Leanne (Les’ on-screen daughter) had a bit of laughter in her life - she needs her dad right now.”
Speaking on Celebs on Benefits: Fame to Claim, Bruce said: “I know there is still room for Les on the show somewhere.
“It would be nice to go back a relive those days. I’d like to be part of the team again. I miss them. I worked there for a long time.
“I still watch Coronation Street whenever it’s on. It’s a huge part of my life. My heart will always be with Coronation Street.”
Bruce played Les from 1997 until 2007.