Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant Les Dennis has made it clear he’s up for being put to the test on the BBC One dance show. But how familiar are you with the telly veteran, who was once married to Amanda Holden?
When Les was announced as part of the 2023 Strictly cast, he said: “I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday!”
He added: “In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.”
No doubt it is that indefatigable spirit that means Les has succeeded in showbiz since making his debut back in the early 1970s. However, it doesn’t appear the bookies share his confidence when it comes to making it all the way to claim the Glitterball trophy. That’s because he’s been priced with bettingsites.co.uk of having odds of 16/1 to win.
But even if Les doesn’t foxtrot his way to victory in the Strictly finals, we’re still backing the presenter, actor, and comedian to entertain us along the way.
When was Les Dennis married to Amanda Holden? Are there photos from their wedding?
Les and Amanda married in 1995, when he was 42 and she was 24. They had met during a stage production of The Sound of Music.
At that point, Les was the bigger star of the two following years of TV exposure. Furthermore, BGT was only a twinkle in Simon Cowell’s eye – and The Grimleys, which starred Amanda, hadn’t even aired yet.
The couple split briefly in 2000, following reports about her affair with TV co-star Neil Morrissey.
And while Amanda and Les reunited, they separated for good in 2002 before divorcing a year later.
In 2013, Amanda stuck up for Neil, saying: “I feel like it was my fault. I was the one who was married.”
She also hinted earlier this year that she found “safety” in Les after being asked about whether she was “looking for a father figure”.
Amanda told The Times in March: “I was very young and I had a lot to learn about life.”
All the hurt that has happened has been healed.
Meanwhile, Les has previously reflected on his second marriage: “All the hurt that has happened has been healed.”
Is Les Dennis married? Who is his wife now?
Before his marriage to Amanda, Les was wed to Lynne Webster, with whom he shares son Phillip. Les and Lynne were married between 1974 and 1990.
Les is now married to wife Claire Nicholson. They met in 2005 and married in November 2009.
Les said of Claire in the earlier stages of their relationship: “It’s all ‘me me me’ in this business, but [Claire] keeps me grounded. I go to work as Les Dennis but come home as the real me: Leslie Hestletine.”
Does Les Dennis have children in his family?
As well as Phillip, Les is also dad to daughter Eleanor, born in April 2008, and younger son Thomas, 12. He shares Eleanor and Thomas with Claire.
How old is Les Dennis?
Les was born in Liverpool in October 1953, meaning he is currently 69.
What is Les Dennis famous for?
Les’ TV breakthrough came in 1974 when he stormed New Faces. By the 1980s, his comedy and impressions made his name, and he worked alongside the likes of TV stars Russ Abbott, as well as forming a comic partnership with Dustin Gee.
At this stage in his career, Les’ impersonation of Mavis from Coronation Street arguably became what he was best known for.
But his lengthy stint fronting Family Fortunes pushed his fame to new heights, making him one of the most recognisable faces on UK TV in the 1980s and 1990s.
Les continued to have a versatile career after moving on from being a game show host, thriving on the West End stage and acting on TV in the likes of The Bill, Family Affairs and Extras. He also popped up in the 2002 series of Celebrity Big Brother, finishing as runner up to Take That’s Mark Owen.
When was Les Dennis in Coronation Street?
Having taken off Corrie’s Mavis, Les ended up being a Weatherfield regular between 2014 and 2016. He played small-time crook Michael Rodwell.
Ultimately Michael died from a heart attack after being provoked by love rival Pat Phelan, who also claimed Michael’s love interest Eileen.
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When was Les Dennis in Only Fools and Horses?
Les’ name is linked quite prominently with Only Fools when it comes to Google searches. That might surprise fans of the BBC One sitcom who may not recall him appearing.
However, while Les didn’t feature in the classic TV series, he did play Grandad in the stage musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London from October 2022.
Is Les Dennis related to Hugh Dennis?
They may share the same surname, but Les and Hugh are not thought to share blood ties.
Read more: Les Dennis reveals three-stone weight loss after health scare ahead of Strictly
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