Bruce Jones 'forced to cancel stand-up gig'

A stand-up comedy gig featuring former Coronation Street star Bruce Jones had to be cancelled after just five tickets were sold for the event.

The actor, who played Les Battersby in the ITV1 soap, was due to perform at a hotel on the Costa del Sol. Tickets were £22 and included a Corrie-themed menu of chicken in a basket and Lancashire hotpot.

However, Jones, who opened a comedy club in Sunderland last year, failed to attract enough customers to cover the cost of hosting the event.

A source told The People: "Poor Bruce must be mortified. He was watched by millions on Corrie, now he can't even fill a hotel bar."

A club spokeswoman added: "We had to call it off as five customers would barely have filled one table and we needed to have at least 25 to make a profit. We may reschedule the event next year."

Jones was sacked from a pantomime at Christmas over an alleged drinking problem.