Editing Les Dennis

{{short description|English television presenter, actor, and comedian}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{for|the American trade union leader|C. L. Dennis}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Les Dennis
| image              = Ahoy it's Les Dennis.jpg
| landscape          = Yes
| caption            = Dennis in April 2010
| birth_name         = Leslie Dennis Heseltine
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1953|10|12|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Liverpool]], England
| other_names        = 
| occupation         = {{hlist|Television presenter|actor|comedian}}
| years_active       = 1971–present
| spouse             = {{ubl
| {{marriage|Lynne Webster|1974|1990|end=divorced}}
| {{marriage|[[Amanda Holden]]|1995|2003|end=divorced}}
| {{marriage|Claire Nicholson|2009}}
}}
| children           = 3
| website            = {{URL|https://www.lesdennis.uk/}}
}}

''' Leslie Dennis Heseltine''' (born 12 October 1953) is an English television presenter, actor and comedian. He presented ''[[Family Fortunes]]'' from 1987 to 2002. 

==Early life==
Dennis was born as Leslie Dennis Heseltine on 12 October 1953<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/les-dennis-landmarks-6148226 |title=Les Dennis landmarks: Highlights of the Liverpool-born comedian and actor's career |work=Liverpool Echo |date=7 October 2013 |access-date=21 January 2021}}</ref> in the [[Liverpool]] suburb of [[Garston, Liverpool|Garston]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2010/02/08/comic-les-dennis-takes-the-cast-from-disney-s-high-school-musical-2-stage-show-to-meet-schoolchildren-at-liverpool-charity-kind-s-seed-centre-100252-25783984/ |title=Liverpool Echo.co.uk – Entertainment – ECHO Entertainment News – Comic Les Dennis takes the cast from Disney's High School Musical 2 stage show to meet schoolchildren at Liverpool charity KIND's SEED Centre |date=8 February 2010 |publisher=liverpoolecho.co.uk |access-date=13 February 2010}}</ref> His mother worked in a factory while his father, who worked in a betting shop after serving in the [[Royal Navy during the Second World War]], was listed as a football player on the books of [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool FC]] but did not play for the first team.<ref name="Rice">{{cite news |first=Jimmy |last=Rice |title=CELEBRITY KOP CLUB: LES DENNIS |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/archivedirs/news/2007/jan/4/N154565070104-1350.htm |access-date=2 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524040511/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/archivedirs/news/2007/jan/4/N154565070104-1350.htm |archive-date=24 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He lived in the suburb of [[Speke]] for a while and attended the Stockton Wood and Joseph Williams primary schools, before going to Morrison Rose Lane Secondary Modern school in Allerton.<ref>Must The Show Go On – Les Dennis – page 59</ref> From 1967 he went to Quarry Bank Comprehensive. Dennis left there in June 1972 with an A-level in Art and failed [[History]] and [[English Literature]].<ref>Must The Show Go On – Les Dennis – page 85</ref> He had a weekend job in the men's clothing store [[Burton (retailer)|Burton]] whilst still at school, and started as a stand-up comedian in [[working men's club]]s.

==Career==

===Early work and ''Family Fortunes''===
As a comedian, Dennis performed in social clubs all around the northwest of England.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.festmag.com/edinburgh/features/man-out-of-time|location=Edinburgh|first=Sam|last=Friedman|magazine=[[Fest Magazine]]|title=Man Out of Time|date=7 August 2012|accessdate=26 January 2024}}</ref> He was given the earliest opportunities in his home city of Liverpool; in his autobiography, he later credited husband-and-wife theatrical agents Stuart and Dorene Gillespie (who had themselves been a successful variety act) with discovering him.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}} His debut radio broadcast was in 1971 on Stuart's [[BBC Radio Merseyside]] series ''Variety Time'' (the programs were taped in front of a live audience in [[Merseyside]] clubs).{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} In 1974, he won the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] talent show ''[[New Faces]]'' and appeared on numerous light entertainment shows. It's a common myth that he almost became the first contestant ever to score the maximum 120 points on ''New Faces'', but had to settle for 119 when [[Tony Hatch]] gave him 9 out of 10 in his final mark, drawing derision from the rest of a judges' panel that included fellow Liverpool comedian [[Arthur Askey]]. He scored 39 for Presentation, 36 for Content, and 36 for Star Quality, meaning he only scored 111 with the score of 9 out of 10 leaving him one mark short of a maximum in just the Presentation category.<ref>{{cite web |title=Master copy held in the BFI National Archive |url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmItems/153446326 |website=Collections Search British Film Institute |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref>

In 1982, Dennis joined as one of the teams on ''[[Russ Abbot's Madhouse]]'' and ''[[The Russ Abbot Show]]'' before forming a comedy partnership with fellow impressionist [[Dustin Gee]], which in turn led to a series of their own, ''[[The Laughter Show]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/news/southport-west-lancs/les-dennis-mourns-dustin-gee-10580891|title=Les Dennis mourns Dustin Gee, who died after collapsing at panto in Southport|date=10 December 2015|first=Andrew|last=Brown|work=[[Southport Visiter]]|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> Following Gee's sudden and unexpected death in January 1986, Dennis carried on ''The Laughter Show'' as a solo performer and became the third host of ''[[Family Fortunes]]'' for a 15-year run between 1987 and 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30059955.html|work=[[Irish Examiner]]|title=Les Dennis quits Family Fortunes|date=16 July 2002|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>  It was at a recording of an episode of ''Family Fortunes'' in 1997 that Dennis was surprised by the BBC programme ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|'This Is Your Life']]''.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

When a contestant on ''Family Fortunes'' gave a particularly silly answer to a survey question, Dennis would sometimes say, "If it's [the answer] up there, I'll give you the money meself!"<ref name="Meself">{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/les-dennis-gives-verdict-family-23183098|date=17 December 2020|title=Les Dennis gives verdict on Family Fortunes host Gino D'Acampo as fans beg for a comeback|access-date=15 April 2021|first=Lucy|last=Needham|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Reach plc]]}}</ref> His [[Scouse|Liverpudlian accent]] famously led him to pronounce "myself" as "meself", which soon made the sentence his catchphrase. This backfired on an episode where a contestant was asked to "name a way of toasting someone" and the contestant answered "over fire", which matched with "grill" for £12; according to an anonymous source, Dennis made good on his promise and provided the prize money himself."<ref name="Meself"/>

===Theatre===
Dennis' stage work includes Amos Hart in ''[[Chicago (musical)|Chicago]]'' and Bill Snibson in ''[[Me and My Girl]]'' in the [[London's West End|West End]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-news/les-dennis-king-arthur-monty-5581254|work=[[Liverpool Echo]]|first=Catherine|last=Jones|title=Les Dennis becomes Spamalot royalty|date=31 August 2013|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> He has starred in ''[[Skylight (play)|Skylight]]'' at the Water Mill Theatre in [[Newbury, Berkshire|Newbury]], ''[[Mr. Wonderful (musical)|Mr Wonderful]]'' at the [[Gateway Theatre (Chester)|Gateway Theatre]] in [[Chester]], and ''Misery'' at the [[Oldham Coliseum Theatre|Coliseum Theatre]] in [[Oldham]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2001/feb/11/features.review7|title=Family Misfortunes|first=Harriet|last=Lane|date=11 February 2001|work=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> He also appeared in ''Just Between Ourselves'' and co-starred alongside [[Janet Suzman]] in ''Cherished Disappointments in Love'' at London's [[Soho Theatre]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/bungled-failure-7434544.html|date=16 October 2001|title=Bungled failure|work=[[Evening Standard]]|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> He co-starred with [[Christopher Cazenove]] and [[John Duttine]] in a national tour of ''[['Art']]'' and as Norman Bartholomew in [[Anthony Shaffer (writer)|Anthony Shaffer]]'s dark comedy ''[[Murderer (play)|Murderer]]'' at London's [[Menier Chocolate Factory]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2004/nov/19/theatre|date=19 November 2004|work=[[The Guardian]]|first=Michael|last=Billington|title=Murderer|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> He later starred in a hit season of ''Neville's Island'' at the [[Birmingham Repertory Theatre]].<ref name= "Brummail">{{cite news|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/theatre-high-school-musical-2-105959|title=Theatre: High School Musical 2 show heads to Wolverhampton and Birmingham|work=[[Birmingham Live]]|date=16 October 2009|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref>

Dennis appeared as Mr. Fulton in ''[[High School Musical 2]]'' on a UK tour from August 2009 to February 2010.<ref name= "Brummail"/> He toured in ''[[Hairspray (musical)|Hairspray]]'' as Wilbur Turnblad alongside [[Michael Ball (singer)|Michael Ball]], [[Brian Conley]] and [[Michael Starke (actor)|Michael Starke]] – who alternated the role of Edna Turnblad.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/HAIRSPRAY-Announces-Touring-Cast-Ball-Dennis-Conley-And-Starke-All-Feature-20100208|title=HAIRSPRAY Announces Touring Cast: Ball, Dennis, Conley And Starke All Feature|date=8 February 2010|work=Broadway World UK|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> He starred in the touring production of ''[[Legally Blonde (musical)|Legally Blonde The Musical]]'' in 2012, playing the role of Professor Callahan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legallyblondethemusical.co.uk/tour/cast/les-dennis/ |title=Les Dennis &#124; Legally Blonde Tour |publisher=Legallyblondethemusical.co.uk |date=30 January 2012 |access-date=12 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512004520/http://www.legallyblondethemusical.co.uk/tour/cast/les-dennis/ |archive-date=12 May 2012}}</ref>

In 2017, Dennis played the role of Uncle Fester on the UK tour of the musical production of ''[[The Addams Family (musical)|The Addams Family]]''. The production starred [[Samantha Womack]] and [[Carrie Hope Fletcher]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/arts-culture-news/addams-family-samantha-womack-eastenders-11005659|title=The Addams Family: Samantha Womack and Les Dennis lead a spookily good production|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|first=Ailbhe|last= Jordan|date=17 August 2017|access-date=23 February 2023}}</ref>

In 2019, Dennis performed with the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] in Restoration plays ''[[The Provoked Wife]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-provoked-wife/|title=The Provoked Wife|access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref> and ''[[Venice Preserved]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/review-les-dennis-shines-dystopian-noir-thriller-venice-preserved-rsc-stratford-689879|work=[[Leamington Courier]]|first=Peter|last=Omerod|title=REVIEW: Les Dennis shines in dystopian noir thriller Venice Preserved at the RSC in Stratford|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

In 2021, Dennis made a return to the theatre when he played the role of Wilbur Turnblad in the 2021 revival of ''[[Hairspray (musical)|Hairspray]]'' at the [[London Coliseum]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Les Dennis replaces Paul Merton in West End Hairspray {{!}} WhatsOnStage|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/les-dennis-paul-merton-west-end-hairspray_53979.html|access-date=8 May 2021|website=www.whatsonstage.com|date=7 May 2021 }}</ref>

In November and December 2021, Dennis performed as Sir Joseph in the [[English National Opera]] Performance of ''[[HMS Pinafore]]'' at the [[London Coliseum]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eno.org/whats-on/hms-pinafore/#prod-cast|title = HMS Pinafore &#124; ENO 2021/22 Season &#124; English National Opera}}</ref>

===Early film and TV===
Dennis' film debut was in the 1996 film ''[[Intimate Relations (1996 film)|Intimate Relations]]''.<ref name="Twothousandninetyone">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2002/nov/15/features11.g2|date=15 November 2002|access-date=15 April 2021|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=No 2,091}}</ref> He also appeared in the comedy film ''[[Large (film)|Large]]'' and ''Wildlife'', a short film directed by Nick Allsop.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} He had previously made appearances on two episodes of ''[[Bang Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer]]'' in The "Club" sketch, where he played himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/26b14854d8c94b9f9bee9172e1cfcced|title=Bang, Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer|issue=3911|pages=130|via=BBC Genome|date=5 February 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00bzkjs|work=BBC|title=Bang, Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer|date=29 January 1999|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> When he took part in a video-only special of ''[[Shooting Stars (British TV series)|Shooting Stars]]'' in 1993, [[Vic Reeves]] when introducing him pronounced his name as though it were French, saying "Les [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]], the French [[fire engine]]".{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

Dennis has appeared in an episode of ''[[The Bill]]'' in 2006 as Mr. Tom Walker, ''[[Brookside (TV series)|Brookside]]'' (as Jeff Evans; 2001)<ref name="Twothousandninetyone"/> and episodes of ''[[Merseybeat (TV series)|Merseybeat]]'', ''[[Family Affairs]]'', ''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]'', the short-lived revival of ''[[Crossroads (British TV series)|Crossroads]]'', and ''[[Hotel Babylon (BBC series)|Hotel Babylon]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/01_january/11/babylon.shtml|date=11 January 2006|work=BBC|title=BBC Press Office Hotel Babylon Starts Thursday 19 January at 9.00 pm on BBC ONE|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref>

===''Celebrity Big Brother''===
Dennis appeared in the second series of the UK ''[[Celebrity Big Brother (British series 2)|Celebrity Big Brother]]'' during the period when his marriage to [[Amanda Holden]] was breaking down again – he described his time in the BB House as "not one of his wisest moves", although he went on to finish as runner-up to [[Mark Owen]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://closeronline.co.uk/entertainment/tv-movies/cbb-forgotten-contestants/|title=Celebrity Big Brother: 16 celebs we are astonished took part|date=12 June 2020|accessdate=15 April 2021|magazine=[[Closer (magazine)|Closer]]}}</ref>

==='' Extras''===
On 11 August 2005, Dennis appeared as a guest star in an episode of the first series of [[BBC]] sitcom ''[[Extras (TV series)|Extras]]'', written by and starring [[Ricky Gervais]] and [[Stephen Merchant]]. In this appearance, Dennis portrayed a fictional version of himself, alongside [[Gerard Kelly]], who played a camp theatre director, the recurring character Bunny. Dennis would go on to say "you could say ''Extras'' changed my life."<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/comedy/5044466/Les-Dennis-How-Extras-changed-my-life.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/comedy/5044466/Les-Dennis-How-Extras-changed-my-life.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Les Dennis: How 'Extras' changed my life|publisher=Telegraph (UK)|date=24 March 2009|access-date=24 March 2009|location=London|first=Veronica|last=Lee}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===2006–2007===
In early 2006, Dennis presented and performed in BBC One's ''[[The Sound of Musicals (BBC TV Series)|The Sound of Musicals]]'' and guested in ''[[New Street Law]]'' on [[BBC One]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-previews/new-street-law-626524|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|first=Jane|last=Simon|access-date=15 April 2021|title=New Street Law|date=25 May 2012}}</ref>

In summer 2006, he played scriptwriter Nick Chase in a new comedy play called ''[[Marlon Brando's Corset]]'', which toured the UK from July 2006, including a month-long run at the [[Edinburgh Fringe]].<ref name=marloncloset>{{cite news|title=Marlon Brando's Corset, Pleasance Grand, Edinburgh|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/aug/07/theatre.edinburgh20062|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 June 2012|author=Lyn Gardner|location=London|date=7 August 2006}}</ref>

He appeared as a guest in August 2006 in the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] drama series ''[[The Bill]]'', starring as a man suspected of murdering his father. Dennis appeared alongside fellow former ''Russ Abbot'' performer [[Lisa Maxwell (actor)|Lisa Maxwell]], who played DI Samantha Nixon in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a33212/les-dennis-to-guest-in-the-bill/|date=19 May 2006|title=Les Dennis to guest in 'The Bill'|first=Kris|last=Green|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

At the 2006 [[Edinburgh International Television Festival]], it was announced Dennis would make a return to the gameshow genre, presenting a new big-money quiz show titled ''[[In the Grid]]'' for [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]]. The show debuted on 30 October 2006 and aired for one series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5297926.stm|title=Five signs Dennis for quiz show|date=30 August 2006|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> From April 2007, he also hosted [[Gold (UK TV channel)|UKTV Gold]]'s ''TV Now and Then'' quiz show. The same month he guest-starred on BBC One's ''[[Holby City]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/holby-city/holby-city-news/les-dennis-found-holby-role-bizarre-211865/|access-date=15 April 2021|journal=[[What's on TV]]|title=Les Dennis found Holby role bizarre|date=8 March 2007}}</ref>

He appeared on ''[[The Friday Night Project]]'' as a panellist on "Who knows the most about the guest host?" when [[Rupert Everett]] guest hosted.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} In theatre Dennis guest-starred as narrator in ''[[Side by Side by Sondheim]]'' at [[The Venue (Leicester Square, London)|The Venue]], London.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2007/may/05/theatre.classicalmusicandopera|first=Lyn|last=Gardner|date=5 May 2007|access-date=15 April 2021|title=Side By Side By Sondheim|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

As one of the team, he completed running the Safaricom Marathon in Lewa to raise funds for the BBC Wildlife Fund, screened on BBC One's ''[[Saving Planet Earth]]'' in July 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/06_june/14/planet_earth_running_wild.shtml|title=Press Releases Celebrities run wild to save Planet Earth|access-date=15 April 2021|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=14 June 2007}}</ref>

In August 2007, he starred in the hit play ''Certified Male''—about the highs and lows of modern manhood—at the [[Edinburgh Festival]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3667050/Les-Dennis-in-Certified-Male-at-the-Edinburgh-Festival.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3667050/Les-Dennis-in-Certified-Male-at-the-Edinburgh-Festival.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=15 April 2021|date=8 August 2007|first=Dominic|last=Cavendish|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|title=Les Dennis in Certified Male at the Edinburgh Festival}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He then toured in ''The Servant of Two Masters'', directed by [[Michael Bogdanov]] and at Christmas he returned to [[pantomime]] after a ten-year break, co-starring in ''[[Cinderella]]'' with Hollywood veteran [[Mickey Rooney]] at the [[Sunderland Empire Theatre|Empire Theatre]], [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]], produced by First Family Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Actor Rooney to make panto debut |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/6756093.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=15 June 2007 |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

===2008–2012===
{{BLP sources section|date=April 2019}}
Dennis's autobiography, ''Must The Show Go On?'', was published by Orion in early 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/news/les-dennis-autobiography-jumps-straight-to-no-6|access-date=15 April 2021|date=21 April 2008|title=Les Dennis' autobiography jumps straight to No. 6|work=Curtis Brown}}</ref>

In April 2008, Dennis toured in Eurobeat Almost Eurovision before a West End season in the show.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2008/sep/17/musicals.westend|work=[[The Guardian]]|first=Lyn|last=Gardner|title=Eurobeat|date=17 September 2008|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> Also in 2008, he narrated ''[[Les Dennis's Home Video Heroes]]'', a home video clip show broadcast on [[Challenge (TV channel)|Challenge]], and appeared in the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] documentary ''Les Dennis' Liverpool'', which was, coincidentally, broadcast a week after [[BBC Two]] ran ''[[Alexei Sayle]]'s Liverpool'', a three-part documentary on the city.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

During the Christmas 2008 panto season, Dennis appeared as Buttons in ''[[Cinderella]]'' at the [[Liverpool Empire Theatre|Empire Theatre]], Liverpool. The pantomime also featured [[Jennifer Ellison]] as Cinderella, and [[Cilla Black]] as the [[Fairy Godmother]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/cilla-panto-thriller-rocks-empire-3464568|date=12 December 2008|work=[[Liverpool Echo]]|title=Cilla panto thriller rocks the Empire|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> At Christmas 2008, Dennis was featured on [[the Wombats]]' Christmas single and video ''Is This Christmas?'' in aid of MENCAP.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/christmas-no1-732266|title=Christmas No.1|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=28 October 2008|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

In 2009, Dennis played Herbert Soppitt in [[J. B. Priestley]]'s ''[[When We Are Married]]'' at the [[West Yorkshire Playhouse]] in [[Leeds]], and the [[Liverpool Playhouse|Playhouse]] in Liverpool.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2009/04/14/les-dennis-shines-in-when-we-are-married-20303/|title=Les Dennis shines in When We Are Married|date=14 April 2009|work=[[Metro (UK newspaper)|Metro]] |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> At Christmas 2009, he returned to the Liverpool Empire to appear in ''[[Peter Pan]]'' with [[Fonz]] actor [[Henry Winkler]] and again in 2010 to play the role of Aladdin's brother, Wishee Washee in Aladdin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/henry-winkler-praises-liverpool-after-3432695|title=Henry Winkler praises Liverpool after playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan pantomime|first=Catherine|last=Jones|date=5 January 2010|access-date=15 April 2021|work=[[Liverpool Echo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/baywatch-beauty-pamela-anderson-parties-3387995|work=Liverpool Echo|date=|title=Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson parties in Liverpool|first=Tina|last=Miles|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

In 2010, Dennis began presenting the children's TV series ''[[Fee Fi Fo Yum]]'' for [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lsionline.com/news/glp-makes-giant-impression-on-children-s-tv-sq3q7j0|first=Jim|last=Evans|work=Lighting and Sound International Online|access-date=15 April 2021|title=GLP makes giant impression on children's TV|date=7 October 2010}}</ref>

From 17 October 2011, Dennis started a week-long stint in ''[[Countdown (game show)|Countdown]]''{{'}}s Dictionary Corner, ending on 21 October.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/theatre-actor-les-dennis-in-cancer-160987|date=9 September 2011|title=Theatre: Actor Les Dennis in cancer musical|work=[[Birmingham Mail]]|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

In 2011 he again worked with [[Ricky Gervais]] and [[Stephen Merchant]], with recurring appearances as a fictionalised version of himself in the [[Warwick Davis]] comedy series, ''[[Life's Too Short (TV series)|Life's Too Short]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a326175/les-dennis-enders-barry-in-ricky-gervaiss-lifes-too-short-video/|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=22 June 2011|access-date=15 April 2021|first=Alex|last=Fletcher|title=Les Dennis, 'Enders Barry in Ricky Gervais's 'Life's Too Short' – Video}}</ref> From August 2012, he performed in the play ''Jigsy'' at the [[Assembly Rooms (Edinburgh)]] as part of the [[Edinburgh Fringe Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/|title=What's On: What's On in Liverpool and Merseyside – Liverpool Echo|website=www.liverpoolecho.co.uk|access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref>

===2013–2014===
In 2013 Dennis was reunited with Warwick Davis when the pair joined the cast of the West End production of [[Monty Python]]'s ''[[Spamalot]]'' at London's [[Playhouse Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/les-dennis-and-warwick-davis-to-join-the-cast-of-spamalot/|title=Les Dennis and Warwick Davis to join the cast of Spamalot &#124; News|first=Matthew|last=Hemley|date=1 August 2013|access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref> His next theatrical appearance came in an adaptation of [[Peter James (writer)|Peter James]]' novella ''The Perfect Murder''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=BBB286A2-F6EE-4847-8AFE-8460B76C91FD |title=The Perfect Murder |work=Wycombeswan.co.uk |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref>

In 2013, Dennis was a contestant in ''[[Celebrity MasterChef]]''. He finished as runner-up to [[Ade Edmondson]]. He has since returned to the show as a guest judge.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/tv/bbc-celebrity-masterchef-les-dennis-22562128|access-date=23 February 2023|title=BBC Celebrity MasterChef: Les Dennis' affair with EastEnders actress and failed marriage to Amanda Holden|work=[[MyLondon]]|first=Callum|last=Cuddeford|date=23 December 2021}}</ref>

In December of that year, Dennis appeared in an episode of ''[[Midsomer Murders]]'' titled "[[The Christmas Haunting]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/449545/Les-Dennis-stars-in-Midsomer-Madness-Christmas-special|work=[[Daily Express]]|date=21 December 2013|first=Vicki|last=Power|title=Midsomer Madness: ITV's detective drama kicks off with a Christmas episode|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

===2014–2016: ''Coronation Street''===
On 23 January 2014, it was announced that Dennis would join the long-running [[ITV network|ITV]] soap opera ''[[Coronation Street]]'', playing the part of Michael Rogers (later changed to [[Michael Rodwell]] after press release), a petty burglar. He began filming on 27 January 2014, and made his first appearance on TV on 24 March 2014. The show's producer Stuart Blackburn said: "Les is a fantastic performer and a real coup for Corrie. I can't wait for him to join the team".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a546190/coronation-street-les-dennis-joins-show-as-criminal-michael-rogers/|publisher=Digital Spy|title=Coronation Street: Les Dennis joins show as criminal Michael Rogers|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|date=23 January 2014|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

On 18 November 2016, Dennis's character Michael Rodwell was killed off from ''Coronation Street'', after suffering a [[heart attack]] and being left for dead by the show's villain, Michael's love rival [[Pat Phelan (Coronation Street)|Pat Phelan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a814526/coronation-street-has-just-killed-off-michael-rodwell-after-pat-phelans-most-shocking-move-yet/|first=Sophie|last=Dainty|publisher=Digital Spy|date=18 November 2016|title=Coronation Street has just killed off Michael Rodwell after Pat Phelan's most shocking move yet|access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>

===2017–present: After ''Coronation Street''===
In April 2017, Dennis took the role of [[Uncle Fester]] in ''[[The Addams Family (musical)|The Addams Family]]'' UK tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/not-even-les-dennis-fester-can-save-lifeless-musical-addams/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/not-even-les-dennis-fester-can-save-lifeless-musical-addams/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Not even Les Dennis as Fester can save this lifeless musical – The Addams Family, review|first=Dominic|last=Cavendish|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=18 May 2017|access-date=15 April 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2022, Dennis played a mind-reader in a film called ''Sideshow'', a black comedy in the style of ''Stanley a Man of Variety'' or Peter Chelsom's ''[[Funny Bones]]''.<ref>Mark Kermode's review of ''Sideshow'' as taken from ''Kermode and Mayo's Film Review'' on BBC Radio 5 Live on 11 March 2022/BBC Sounds</ref> The film, also starring [[Anthony Head]], April Pearson and Nathan Clarke, received a one-star review from Peter Bradshaw in ''The Guardian''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |title=Sideshow review – Les Dennis's washed-up psychic can't see he's in a terrible movie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/mar/09/sideshow-review-les-dennis-comedy |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=9 March 2022 |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Potton |first=Ed |title=Sideshow review — avoid this woeful Les Dennis comedy |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/sideshow-review-avoid-this-woeful-les-dennis-comedy-svmtmqwp7 |date=11 March 2022}}</ref>

From 4 to 15 August, Dennis was the guest host on ''[[Countdown (game show)|Countdown]]'' due to [[Colin Murray]] testing positive for [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/countdown-switch-up-due-covid-27661095|date=4 August 2022|first=Joel|last=Leaver|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Reach plc]]|title=Countdown switch up due to Covid sees Les Dennis make his debut with ex Corrie co-star|access-date=23 February 2023}}</ref>

In October 2022, Dennis starred as [[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]] in ''[[Only Fools and Horses The Musical]]'' at the [[Theatre Royal Haymarket]], London.

In August 2023, Dennis was confirmed to be the final celebrity contestant to participate in the [[Strictly Come Dancing (series 21)|twenty-first series]] of ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Les Dennis is the final celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2023/strictly-come-dancing-les-dennis-final-celebrity-contestant/ |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=www.bbc.co.uk }}</ref> He was the first celebrity to be eliminated.

==Personal life==
Dennis has a son from his first marriage to Lynne Webster, which lasted from 1974 to 1990. He also had an affair with actress [[Sophie Aldred]], which he documented in his autobiography.<ref>{{cite news |last=Barkham |first=Patrick |title=Beyond a joke |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/apr/01/biography.comedy |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=1 April 2008 |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> He married actress [[Amanda Holden]] on 4 June 1995. They had a temporary split in 2000 when Holden's affair with actor [[Neil Morrissey]] was exposed in the press, before eventually separating in December 2002 and divorcing in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Holden and Dennis marriage ends|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2609359.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=27 December 2002 |access-date=16 July 2010}}</ref>

Dennis met Claire Nicholson in 2005. They were married on 23 November 2009 in [[Highgate]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Les Dennis marries for the third time |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8375757.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=7 May 2010}}</ref> The couple have a daughter, born on 24 April 2008,<ref>{{cite news |title=Baby girl for TV host Les Dennis |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7365363.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=24 April 2008 |access-date=24 April 2008}}</ref> and a son, born on 14 April 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/04/19/garston-tv-star-les-delighted-to-become-dad-for-third-time-100252-28545299/|title=Garston TV star Les "delighted" to become Dad for third time|date=19 April 2011|work=[[Liverpool Echo]]|access-date=19 April 2011}}</ref>

Dennis is a [[Liverpool F.C.]] fan.<ref name="Rice"/>

==Filmography==
===Film===
*''[[Intimate Relations (1996 film)|Intimate Relations]]'' (1996)
*''[[Large (film)|Large]]'' (2001)
*''Wildlife''
*''[[SeaBiscuit (1996 film) |SeaBiscuit]]''

===Television===
*''[[The Comedians (1971 TV series)|The Comedians]]'' (1971)
*''[[New Faces]]'' (1974) – Contestant/winner
*''[[Russ Abbot's Madhouse]]'' (1982)
*''[[The Russ Abbot Show]]'' (1982)
*''[[The Laughter Show]]''
*''[[Merseybeat (TV series)|Merseybeat]]''
*''[[Family Affairs]]''
*''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]''
*''[[Crossroads (British TV series)|Crossroads]]'' (revival) 
*''[[Family Fortunes]]'' (1987–2002) – Presenter
*''[[Wyrd Sisters (TV series)|Wyrd Sisters]]'' (1997) – The Fool/Tomjon
*''[[Brookside (TV series)|Brookside]]'' (2001) – Jeff Evans
*''[[Celebrity Big Brother (British TV series)|Celebrity Big Brother]]'' (2002) – Himself
*''[[Engie Benjy]]'' (2002–2004) – Pilot Pete and Astronaut Al (voices)
*''[[Extras (TV series)|Extras]]'' (2005) – Guest Star as himself
*''[[In the Grid]]'' (2006) – Presenter
*''[[The Sound of Musicals (BBC TV Series)|The Sound of Musicals]]'' (2006) – Presenter and performer
*''[[New Street Law]]'' (2006) – Guest star
*''[[The Bill]]'' (2006) – Guest star
*''[[Hotel Babylon (BBC series)|Hotel Babylon]]'' (2006) – Guest appearance
*''[[Saving Planet Earth]]'' (2007)
*'''''TV''' Now and Then'' (2007) – Presenter
*''[[Holby City]]'' (2007) – Guest star
*''[[Les Dennis's Home Video Heroes]]'' (2008) – Narrator
*''Les Dennis' Liverpool'' – Presenter
*''[[Fee Fi Fo Yum]]'' (2010) 
*''[[Life's Too Short (TV series)|Life's Too Short]]'' (2011) – Guest appearance
*''[[Midsomer Murders]]'' (2013) – 1 episode (series 16 episode 1)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt2846302/|title = "Midsomer Murders" the Christmas Haunting (TV Episode 2013) – IMDb|website = [[IMDb]]}}</ref>
*''[[Celebrity MasterChef]]'' (2013) – Contestant 
*''[[Coronation Street]]'' (2014–2016) – [[Michael Rodwell]] (249 episodes)
*''[[Pilgrimage (TV series)|Pilgrimage: Road to Rome]]'' (2019)
*''[[Harry Hill's Alien Fun Capsule]]'' (8 June 2019) – Guest
*''[[Birds of a Feather (TV series)|Birds of a Feather]]'' (2020) – Graeme
*''[[Richard Osman's House of Games]]'' (2021) – Contestant
*''[[Countdown (game show)|Countdown]]'' (2022) – Guest Presenter
*''[[Death in Paradise (TV series)|Death In Paradise]]'' (2022)
*''[[Celebrity Antiques Road Trip]]'' (2022) – Contestant<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001dht3|title=Celebrity Antiques Road Trip|website=bbc.co.uk|access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref>
*''[[The Madame Blanc Mysteries]]'' (2023)
*''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'' (2023) – Contestant<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/8ebea67a-b209-43d0-a639-739c219bf1ad|title=Les Dennis completes our line-up for Strictly 2023!|date=11 August 2023 }}</ref>
*''[[Sister Boniface Mysteries]]'' (2024)
*''[[The Weakest Link]]'' (2025) – Contestant/winner

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0219499|name=Les Dennis}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dennis, Les}}
[[Category:1953 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Comedians from Liverpool]]
[[Category:English impressionists (entertainers)]]
[[Category:English male comedians]]
[[Category:English male film actors]]
[[Category:English male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:English male stage actors]]
[[Category:English male television actors]]
[[Category:English male voice actors]]
[[Category:English game show hosts]]
[[Category:Male actors from Liverpool]]
[[Category:People educated at Calderstones School]]
[[Category:People educated at Quarry Bank High School]]
[[Category:People from Garston]]
[[Category:Television presenters from Liverpool]]