Bruce Jones: I'm a panto "scapegoat"

Bruce Jones has claimed that he is being used as a "scapegoat" by a production company after the panto he was starring in was cancelled.

The former Coronation Street actor had been appearing in Cinderella but was allegedly sacked due to a drinking problem. However it has now been revealed that the show - which was due to run until January 2 - has been cut short.

Halle Productions, run by Michael Hizer and his wife Casey-Lee Jolleys - who appeared as Orchid in the ITV soap - have accused Jones of turning up to perform "stinking of booze".

A statement released by solicitors on behalf of the company blamed "unforeseen cast problems" on the cancellation.

It added that "cast members will be paid once all the refunds have been issued".

However, Jones hit back at the claims and told the Manchester Evening News that he had offered to continue the show for free.

"I feel absolutely terrible," he said. "I was told by my agent not to go back on stage. They are looking for a scapegoat and they are using me. He (Michael) knows I wouldn’t drink and do a show.

"I would have a couple of pints and about 9-10pm I would go to bed because I knew I had to be up early. We just wanted to do the panto for the kids."