Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters has described the soap's decision to kill off Les Battersby as "bizarre".
Bruce Jones portrayed loutish Les on the cobbles from 1997 until 2007, when he was hurriedly written out of the soap amid allegations that he had discussed storylines with an undercover reporter.
In next week's episodes, word will reach the Street that Les has died in a workplace accident, devastating his daughter Leanne (Jane Danson) and adoptive daughter Toyah (Georgia Taylor).
Jones has previously revealed that he was informed of his character's off-screen death by email and now Peters, who played Les's wife Cilla Battersby-Brown from 2003 to 2007, has given her reaction.
"It's a bit bizarre," she told 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."
Speculating on her own character's future demise, she added: "It would have to be an outrageous ending for Cilla. We went to Africa for a one-off for a DVD so maybe she could be eaten by lions."
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am on ITVX and at 8pm on ITV1.
> Picture Spoilers: Next week on Coronation Street (Nov 25-29)
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
