Coronation Street star Wendi Peters breaks silence on ‘bizarre’ axing of show legend

Coronation Street’s Wendi Peters has responded to the news of her co-star’s sudden axing from the show.

Wendi portrayed the role of Cilla Battersby-Brown in the ITV soap until 2014. Cilla was in a relationship with Les Battersby, played by Bruce Jones.

Last month, it was confirmed Bruce’s character Les would be killed off, bringing heartbreaking news for siblings Leanne (Jane Danson) and Toyah (Georgia Taylor). Bruce, who is 71, was initially let go from the soap for off-set behaviour, and allegedly insulting fans and eventually revealing plots.

His career has taken quite a different path these days, as he now partakes in professional wrestling.

Following this news, actress Wendi Peters was vocal on social media platform X about Les’ death. Now, she has spoken about it in more detail.

‘It’s a bit bizarre’, she said in a chat with The Sun.

‘I guess we haven’t been there for 20 years, so we’re not under contract. They can decide whatever they want to do. However, there might have been a nicer way of approaching it.’

It was previously reported Bruce was told about the axing of his character via email.

The stars worked together for many years (Picture: ITV)

‘[Show bosses] already emailed me over a fortnight ago to tell me what was happening. I actually thought, well fine, I played him for ten years. It gives me closure. Maybe it will stop people asking me all the time when I’m going back, if I’m going back’, the actor explained to the MailOnline.

‘People want me back, but it’ll stop all that, in shopping centres, wherever I go. I’m pleased it’s happening but I’m also sad about losing a character I played for ten years. I’m grateful to the street for that. I went out the other day and people asked four times that day, “when are you coming back? The street is dead.”’

Wendi Peters returned to our screens last year, playing the role of Nina Bulsara in Doctors.

Yesterday, the BBC One soap aired it’s final ever episode following the broadcaster’s decision to axe the show.

The final episode saw the team at the Mill fight back after Graham Elton (Alex Avery) – the troublesome new partner at the surgery – waged war on everything that the practice stood for.