Les Battersby

Les Battersby was a central character and antagonist in Coronation Street from 1997 to 2007, formerly appearing as the patriarch of the infamous Battersby family, which originally consisted of his wife Janice, his daughter Leanne and stepdaughter Toyah. Although an unpleasant character from the get go, he slowly mellowed over the years and became a more comedic character, especially after his pairing with second wife Cilla Battersby in 2003, although he would still be antagonistic and aggressive towards his neighbours from time to time.

He was portrayed by Bruce Jones

History
Les, along with wife Janice and their daughters Leanne and Toyah (with the former being his biological daughter) moved into Coronation Street in 1997. They were dubbed the family from hell as they made the lives of their neighbours a nightmare, such as playing loud music constantly and hanging their washing outside in the street. When their neighbour Curly Watts smashed Leanne and Toyah's CD player in rage, Les responded by headbutting Curly.

Despite their bad start, the Battersby's were eventually accepted into the community and toned down their aggressive behaviour, and Les began working at the cab company Street Cars after it was opened by Steve McDonald in 2000.