Coronation Street star Bruce Jones' life after the soap - from homelessness to wrestling

Bruce Jones
-Credit: (Image: MDM)


Bruce Jones, best known for his role as Les Battersby in Coronation Street, reportedly once had just £14 to his name. However, the actor has since turned his life around and is now in better shape than he has been for years - he's even taken up wrestling.

Jones portrayed the outspoken but loveable rogue Les Battersby on the popular ITV soap for a decade. His character was married to Janice, with whom he shared daughter Leanne and stepdaughter Toyah.

After growing tired of his chaotic lifestyle, Janice left him for his friend Dennis Stringer, leading Les to move on with barmaid Cilla Brown, her son Chesney, and their large pet dog, Schmeichel the Great Dane.

In March 2007, it seemed unthinkable that the fan favourite would ever leave Weatherfield. However, Jones was suspended from the show after allegedly getting drunk with an undercover journalist, revealing future storylines, and making inappropriate comments.

His departure from Corrie was confirmed in May, with his suspension lasting until his contract expired in September of that year, reports the Mirror.

Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle),  Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor).
Coronation Street family of Battersbys in 1998 comprising of Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle), Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor). -Credit:Granada Television

While Les never received an on-screen exit storyline, his stepson Chesney confirmed that his former father figure was alive and well, living in Dublin and working as a roadie with an Irish tribute band. Following his dismissal from Corrie, Jones performed stand-up comedy sets in Benidorm and appeared on reality TV shows like Celebrity Wife Swap, alongside singer Sinitta, in 2008.

The BBC One show Famous, Rich and Homeless in 2009 turned out to be a grim foreshadowing for Bruce. The programme, which challenged celebrities to abandon their privileged lives for the harsh reality of the streets, deeply impacted Bruce, who nearly quit multiple times.

After his departure from Coronation Street, he turned to alcohol to manage his emotions. In that same year, he made what he describes as "the biggest mistake of my life".

While intoxicated, he was in a car with his then-wife and seized the steering wheel. He recounted to The Guardian: "I was so down, I tried to kill us both," adding, "I thought: 'If I'm going to die, you're coming with me.' I had tears streaming down my face and I just wanted to go."

Following his arrest and subsequent charge, he received a suspended prison sentence. "I lost everything," he said. His marriage ended, and his life took a downward spiral. After squandering his £1,000,000 fortune, he eventually became bankrupt and resorted to living on benefits.

By May 2010, reports surfaced that Bruce, once reported to be living alone in a caravan in North Wales, had become homeless after failing to maintain payments on his £500,000 Cheshire home, leaving him with a mere £14.

Bruce spoke candidly about his struggles with alcohol and deteriorating mental health back in 2013, dating the start of his troubles to his stint on the ITV series. "There were times I didn't want to be in the dressing room, I just wanted to go home. I was suffering depression but didn't realise I was ill," he previously shared with the Mirror.

"It's a terrible disease. You don't know you've got it, but it's got you. Basically I was schizophrenic, my only defence was that I was an actor. I could pretend to be somebody else. I could put a set of clothes on and take them off. There's no way out of it... unfortunately I decided I would drink my depression away."

However, life has since improved for Bruce, with key milestones including a stint on Celebrity Big Brother where he bagged £15,000 and speaking out about his battles with alcohol and finances on Channel 5s Celebs on Benefits: Fame to Claim. Among the highlights of his career, Bruce treasures the close friendship he formed with Vicky Entwistle, who played Janice, his first screen wife on Coronation Street.

The pair reminisced over their strong connection during a 2020 appearance on Loose Women, where Bruce acknowledged Vicky's support through his challenging times.

In 2021, Bruce was cast in the film 'Cold Sun', sharing the screen with Hollywood's Tara Reid. In this espionage thriller, Reid portrays an MI6 agent, while Bruce embraced the character of Colin Rye.

Les Battersby [Bruce Jones] and Cilla Brown [Wendi Peters]
Les Battersby [Bruce Jones] and Cilla Brown [Wendi Peters] -Credit:ITV

Fast forward to 2023, and he reprised his role in 'The Full Monty' for a second time. This year, at the ripe age of 71, Bruce has taken a surprising turn into the world of professional wrestling.

Discussing his unexpected career pivot, Bruce revealed that what started as a Les Battersby cameo to hype another match spiralled into something more. "So, they were like: 'You don't mind getting knocked about in the ring a bit, do you? '" he shared with The Guardian.

Bruce made his wrestling debut in February 2024 and returned to the ring in May as part of the Les Battersby World Order. During a Coronation Street-themed bout, he faced off against Steven Arnold, known for his role as butcher Ashley Peacock on the soap.

The audience was reportedly thrilled to see Bruce in action, engaging with them through a microphone.