Les Dennis

Leslie Heseltine, known as Les Dennis (born 12 October 1953) is an English television presenter, actor and comedian, best known as the presenter of Family Fortunes for 15 years from 1987 until 2002.

He has played the role of Michael Rodwell in Coronation Street since 2014.

Early life

Dennis was born in Garston, Liverpool. His father worked in a betting shop after service in the Royal Navy during World War II and a period as a football player on the books of Liverpool F.C. (but did not play for the first team), whilst his mother worked in a factory. He attended the Stockton Wood and Joseph Williams primary schools and then Quarry Bank High School after passing the Eleven plus exam. He had a Saturday job in Burton's clothes store whilst still at school and started in entertainment as a stand-up comedian in working men's clubs.

Career

Early work and Family Fortunes

As a comedian Dennis worked the North West social and working men's clubs. He was given his earliest opportunities by Liverpool-based husband and wife theatrical agents Stuart and Dorene Gillespie (Stuart and Dorene had been a successful act themselves in variety) and in his autobiography he credits them with discovering him. His first radio appearance was in 1971 on Stuart's BBC Radio Merseyside series Variety Time (the programmes were taped in front of a live audience in Merseyside clubs). In 1974, he won New Faces, an ITV talent show and appeared on numerous light-entertainment shows.

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Latest News for: les dennis

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Blue Peter's funniest and most scandalous moments revealed: From elephant dung, to secret dead dog ...

The Daily Mail 23 Mar 2025
It was later reported that future England international footballers Les Ferdinand and Dennis Wise had been involved in the crime ... you myself and Dennis Wise had nothing to do with the BBC garden.
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Love is in the air during ‘Cheekwood in Bloom’

Nashville Pride 21 Mar 2025
All you need is love (and 250,000 blooming bulb) to celebrate the arrival of spring at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens ... Guests are encouraged to grab a picnic table or blanket while indulging in local food and drinks ... Denny Jiosa April 27. Les Sabler ... Dr.
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Amanda Holden sensed warning signs in Les Dennis relationship 'from day one'

The Mirror 14 Mar 2025
The Britain's Got Talent judge was married to the former Coronation Street star for eight years, but admits something felt amiss from the moment they shared the spotlight ... .
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Family Fortunes' replacement revealed after Gino D'Acampo game show pulled from screens amid major controversy ...

The Daily Mail 13 Mar 2025
The popular ITV gameshow, which hit our screens in 1980, has been presented by the Italian chef since 2020 ... Read More ... During that time Bob Monkhouse, Max Bygraves, Les Dennis and Andy Collins presented the programme ... Gino D'AcampoDancing On IceITV. .
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Senators acquire Cozens, more from Sabres for Norris, Bernard-Docker

TSN Canada 07 Mar 2025
Les #Sens ont acquis l’attaquant Dylan Cozens, le défenseur Dennis Gilbert et un choix de deuxième ronde… pic.twitter.com/Q46BP2zDk3 — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 7, 2025">.
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