Coronation Street fans are convinced that two iconic characters will make a return to the cobbles for Les Battersby’s funeral
Coronation Street might be preparing to welcome back two iconic characters for the funeral of Les Battersby.
Bruce Jones, who portrayed the character, first appeared on the soap in 1997 alongside his on-screen wife Janice (Vicky Entwistle), daughter Leanne (Jane Danson) and stepdaughter Toyah (Georgia Taylor). After a notorious split with Janice, who found love with Dennie Stringer (Charles Dale), Les formed a new relationship with Cilla Brown (Wendi Peters).
However, Bruce left the show in 2007 and Les hasn’t been seen since. In October, it was confirmed that the soap would be writing off the character. Last week, it was revealed that Les had passed away off-screen.
Leanne was informed of Les’ death by a police officer, who told her he had died at work. The news left both Leanne and Les’ former stepson Chesney (Sam Aston) heartbroken, reports Lancs Live.
Les was killed off last week(Image: ITV)
Moreover, this week’s episodes reveal there’s more to Les’ death than initially thought. Spoilers indicate that solicitor Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) has a meeting with Leanne.
Joining her are Les’ former stepchildren Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor), Fiz Brown (Jennie McAlpine) and Chesney, as Adam shares some news. According to him, the abattoir where Les worked has offered his family £50,000 as compensation for his workplace death, but only if they agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Cilla was a firm favourite with fans(Image: ITV)
Corrie enthusiasts reckon they’ve sussed it out: Les Battersby’s funeral could well see a couple of Weatherfield old-timers coming back. On a dedicated Corrie Facebook fan page, an eager viewer commented: “Let’s have Janice and Cilla back for Les’s funeral proper comedy punch up lol.”
The same fan surmised: “Cilla will be after the compo / Janice will be there for our Leanne. Money will help Ches out as well if Leanne shares it around,” suggesting a potential financial subplot. Others seemed to echo this sentiment, with another fan declaring: “Yes! How funny would that be.” Another agreed, noting: “That be worth watching.”
Fans are hoping for a double return (Image: ITV)
Speculation has also risen among fans that Les may have met a grisly end, not simply passed away. Scrolling through online discussions, one can spot theories aplenty, with a fan positing: “Anyone else think he was killed?” Another chimed in: “There’s something dodgy happening definitely.”
Questions about Leanne’s possible involvement are also flying, especially considering her tumultuous year, as one speculated: “Leanne killed Les? She could be in the middle of a breakdown after the institute and Toyah’s affair?” The theory gained traction with yet another fan asserting: “Yes to this!”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
