Coronation Street is planning a major off-screen death for an iconic character who was last seen

on the soap over 15 years ago. As per The Sun, Les Battersby – who was played by Bruce Jones

between 1997 and 2007 – is set to be killed off-screen in the coming weeks, with his daughter

 Leanne (Jane Danson) receiving a call which confirms the news.

She will subsequently break the news to her sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor), with the family grieving over the matter. It is currently unknown if Les’ cause of death will be revealed, and how big a part it will play in the soap’s current storylines.

Coronation Street are not commenting on future storylines.

The developments come after Leanne referenced Les in a recent episode, with the character telling Toyah that her father was “obviously drunk” during a phone call and that he had failed to reply when asked if they wanted to meet up.

The news of Les’ off-screen death rules out the possibility of Jones returning to the role that he played for a decade, though he’s recently started another career altogether as he entered the wrestling ring back in February.

Les’ death isn’t the only matter that Leanne has to deal with, with the character recently breaking up with Nick Tilsley. After a tumultuous relationship, it seems like this is the final time they’ll be together, with actor Ben Price confirming there’s no way back for the couple.

“He’s always going to love her. Part of Nick still loves her but it’s definitely finished,” he said. “It’s definitely over, it’s not one of those half break-ups. I think something changed for him when she went to the Institute.

“For Nick that was the end. I think after the way Leanne suddenly went to the Institute, it really made him think ‘I just don’t know you at all’. I think he’s being genuine with Toyah.”