ITV Coronation Street viewers ‘so upset’ after confusion about Les Battersby death

The soap character died off-screen

Coronation Street’s Les Battersby has been killed off. The character, played by Bruce Jones first arrived on the soap in 1997 with his wife Janice, daughter Leanne and stepdaughter Toyah.

The actor portrayed the role of Les for a whole decade, from 1997 to 2007. The family were dubbed “the family from hell” as they clashed with their soap neighbours.

In October this year, it was confirmed that the soap was killing off the character and in Friday night’s episode it was revealed the character had died off-screen. Leanne was informed of Les’ death by a police officer, who told her that he had died at work. The news left Leanne and Les’ former stepson Chesney devastated.

Chesney referred to him as ‘Uncle Les’ before admitting his connection to Bernie Winter. He told Bernie they were no longer close and have not been in proper contact for years, with Les leaving the cobbles when Chesney was young.

Fans were confused by how Leanne and Chesney both had a connection with Les. One viewer said: “How is Chesney related to Les? #corrie” and another added “What! What have I missed over the years. Les was Chesney’s uncle #Corrie”

More confused commenters took to X, saying “Can’t remember, but what connection is Chesney to Les?” And why do they need to tell Chesney about Les Battersby.”

Other fans who have been a fan of the soap since Les was in it took to the comments to reflect on the relationship between the characters. One comment said: “So upset they’ve killed Less Battersby off off-screen, Chesney, Leanne, Toyah and Fiz and even Kirk are gonna be distraught I don’t wanna see anymore upset there’s been enough sadness recently rip Les Battersby.” Another added “Even though I only really saw their relationship through Classic Corrie loved the relationship between Les and Chesney.”

Chesney got close with Les years ago when he was a kid. Les got with Chesney’s mother Cilla and became his stepfather. Les later decided to adopt Chesney. Sadly Les and Cilla split up which led to Les and Chesney growing apart.