‘Coronation Street’ Stars Bruce Jones & Julie Hesmondhalgh Reunite In Adorable Selfie That Had Fans Nostalgic

Aug 14, 2023

“Coronation Street” has been a fixture in British pop culture. The television soap opera has been airing on ITV in the United Kingdom since Dec. 9, 1960. Created by Tony Warren, the show is deemed one of the longest-running soap operas in the world. 

It is set in the fictional working-class community of Weatherfield, a district in the city of Manchester, England. The story focuses on the lives of the residents of its neighborhood, showcasing their everyday struggles, relationships, conflicts, and important milestones.

The show was also known to mirror real-life situations, encompassing a wide range of cultural and social issues in the real world. Because of these real-life similarities, the series has become notable and prominent among television viewers. 

Among the actors and actresses who have graced the television series were William Roache, Helen Worth, Anne Kirkbride, Sue Nicholls, David Neilson, Barbra Knox, Simon Gregson, Beverly Callard, Michael Le Vell, Jennie McAlpine, Katherine Kelly, and even acting giants like Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen, among many others. 

Actors and actresses come and go on the show, especially since it has already had more than 11,000 episodes as of press time. This is why many fans were delighted that two of the most beloved characters of the show, Les Battersby and Hayley Cropper, reunited in some sort of way in real life. Their actors, Bruce Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh, respectively, thrilled the fans of the show when they snapped a photo together on Jul. 17, 2023. 

Read on to learn more about Jones and Hesmondhalgh and how fans were emotional to see them back together again, at least in a photo. 

Jones is a British actor known for his role as Les Battersby in “Coronation Street.” Born in 1953, Jones made his acting debut in the 1993 film “Raining Stones.” Although he had quite the credits before landing his role in “Coronation Street,” the fame and popularity he had when he joined the award-winning cast in 1997 was incomparable. 

He played the role of the brash and funny character of Les Battersby, known for his unique take on fashion and his very loud personality. At the time during Jones' stint on the show, he and his family gave out interesting, comedic, and dramatic story arcs.

Shortly after he was cast, he became a popular figure in the United Kingdom. However, in 2007, Jones left the show after playing the role for a decade. According to Metro UK, Jones was fired and written out of the show for allegedly getting drunk with an undercover reporter while also making inappropriate remarks and even revealing future storylines on the show.  

On the other hand, Hesmondhalgh joined the year after Jones was introduced. Since 1998, Hesmondhalgh has been playing Hayley Cropper. Hesmondhalgh was famous as her character became the first transgender character in a British soap opera. Her performance in this role received critical acclaim and helped raise awareness about transgender issues. She won Best Serial Drama Performance at the 2014 National Television Awards and Best Actress at the 2014 British Soap Awards.

After having the “most wonderful time” playing her role, Hesmondhalgh said in an interview, as revealed to BBC, that she was quitting the show in 2014. 

"The decision to hang up Hayley's red anorak was a tough one," she recalled. "But doing the play at the Royal Exchange last year made me realise that there's life in the old dog yet.” 

Jones and Hesmondhalgh’s chemistry on-screen was undeniable. The intertwining of their character’s storylines was lauded by many because of their contrasting personalities, as it was a mix of comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments. 

Their story took place when Les discovered Hayley's secret about being a transgender woman. Initially in disbelief and discomfort, Les eventually came to terms with Hayley's identity. However, as their interactions continued, he gradually learned to accept Hayley for who she was.

On July 17, 2023, Jones uploaded a photo on his Twitter/X account. It was a photo of him and Hesmondhalgh. 

“So yesterday I bumped into this lovely lady @juliehes, it was great too see you after 16 years! #corrrie @itvcorrie @ITV #hayley #les,” he wrote in the caption. The two were beaming with smiles as Jones wore a purple jacket above a black polo while Hesmondhalgh wore a green shirt with the words “Pulp” in it. 

Fans were delighted to see the duo back together. Surprisingly, Vicky Entwistle, Jone’s on-screen wife, commented on the photo. 

“What a gorgeous pic. Lots of love to you both. ❤️❤️💋💋,” she said, to which Jones replied back: “Thanks Vicky, love to you both.”

“Currently watching you, Julie, Vicky Entwistle and others in Classic corrie Bruce, on itv 3. They are currently in April 2003, just after Mick assaulted Les. Great episodes. I miss Les Battersby. You played the character so well,” a fan shared. 

“Awesome to see the both of you together , shame they didn't bring Les and Chesney's mum in for the recent wedding,” another commented.

“A brilliant photo. We would never have seen Les and Hayley so friendly, of course,” someone joked.  

Are you a fan of “Coronation Street”? What was your favorite episode of the series? Didn't Bruce Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh look cute together? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other “Coronation Street” fans!