The actor first appeared on the cobbles back in 1997 as taxi driver Les Battersby.

Throughout his ten year stint on the show, he was involved in numerous storylines, including a tumultuous relationship with Cilla Brown.

In 2007, he was controversially axed from the show, after allegedly revealing future storylines to reporters while drunk.

His character, Les, was seen leaving the street to go on tour as a roadie with tribute band ZZ Top O’ the Morning, leaving his family behind.

Though he had promised adopted son Chesney (Sam Aston) that he would return, this was the last viewers saw of the character.

Since leaving the ITV soap, he has appeared on several reality TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother and Come Dine With Me.

More recently, he landed a role in an episode of Hulu’s Bitesize Halloween series called The Heritage.

This Christmas he is set to tour the UK for the first time in 16 years, appearing in three venues across the country throughout December and January.

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: ‘Bruce hasn’t been on tour for ages but can’t wait to get back on the road.

‘He’s being paid around £20k for the gig and he’s worth every penny – people can’t wait to see him live again!’

The actor himself added: ‘I am really looking forward to appearing in Beauty and The Beast this Christmas.

‘I love doing pantomime and the experience and cant wait to get back into the pantomime mood again and have lots of fun.’

During the tour, Bruce will appear at the Exmouth Pavilion in Devon, Melton Theatre in Leicester and the Majestic Theatre in Notts.