Ex-Corrie star Bruce Jones is 'broke'

Former Coronation Street star Bruce Jones has admitted that he is "broke" following a series of bad business deals.

The actor confirmed that he has faced a financial crisis since his character Les Battersby was axed from the ITV1 soap in May 2007.

"I had 10 great years in that show and probably earned over a million pounds but now it's virtually all gone," Jones told The People. "I made investments but they've been hit badly like everyone else. I'm broke.

"While on Coronation Street I was earning £150,000 a year plus personal appearances. Now I haven't got a clue what I've earned this year. I know it's not a lot - probably £20,000 - and there is not much left of that. I'm just a jobbing actor now."

Jones added that his biggest setback came when his production company Bruce Jones Productions went bust. Meanwhile, he is now facing a £30,000 tax demand from the Inland Revenue.

"I'm hoping next year will get better so I can pay it," he explained. "Now I have to be very careful because there's no regular wage coming in any more."

The decision to drop Jones from the show came just two months after he was suspended over allegations in a tabloid newspaper.