CORONATION Street star Bruce Jones has been axed from the soap.

The actor (pictured), who had been suspended from his role as Weatherfield layabout Les Battersby, will not be seen on screen again.

Earlier this month Bruce, 54, had his six-week suspension extended by a further four weeks as soap bosses investigated allegations that he launched a foul-mouthed rant about his co-stars.

He was originally suspended after allegedly downing several pints of Guinness and revealing the top secret outcome of the Tracy Barlow murder trial.

The former soap favourite was called in to see Street producer Steve Frost at ITV Granada's Quay Street HQ in Manchester today and given the news.

In a statement, the company said: "Bruce Jones will not be returning to his role of Les Battersby on Coronation Street.

"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.

Cilla
"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."

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 ten 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."

Bruce 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."

Bruce has played Les Battersby for 10 years, he arrived on the street in June 1997 with his family from hell, Leanne, Janice and Toyah.

The Corrie star denied all the allegations against him and maintained that some comments said to have been made by him were taken out of context.

A former policeman had claimed the actor made inappropriate statements at the Royal Oak pub in High Lane, near his Stockport home.

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