With a career spanning several decades, Les Dennis is a well-known British television host, comedian, and actor who has brought joy and laughter to countless people. His journey began in the 1970s when he started performing as a stand-up comedian. Born in Liverpool, England, Les quickly gained a reputation for his quick wit and sense of humor. Over the years, he has hosted numerous shows and events, showcasing his talents to audiences around the world.
Les Dennis’ early years were spent in Liverpool, where he attended St Margaret’s Church of England High School. It was here that he discovered his love for performing, participating in school plays and talent shows. After leaving school, Les worked as a clerk in a tax office before deciding to pursue a career in entertainment.
In the early 1970s, Les began performing as a stand-up comedian in clubs and pubs around Liverpool. His unique style of humor quickly gained him a following, and he soon became a regular on the city’s comedy circuit. In 1974, Les won the TV talent show “New Faces,” which led to him being offered a job as a presenter on the children’s show “The Mersey Pirate.”
Over the next few years, Les continued to work as a comedian and presenter, appearing on shows such as “The Laughter Show” and “Russ Abbot’s Madhouse.” He also made guest appearances on popular programs like “Coronation Street” and “The Bill.” In 1987, Les landed his biggest role yet when he was chosen to host the game show “Family Fortunes.”
“Family Fortunes” was a huge success, running for over 15 years and making Les one of the most recognizable faces on British television. The show involved two families competing against each other to guess the most popular answers to survey questions. Les’ friendly and humorous approach to hosting made him a hit with audiences, and he became known for his catchphrase “Our survey said…”
In addition to “Family Fortunes,” Les has hosted a variety of other shows over the years. These include “The Les Dennis Laughter Show,” “Les Dennis’ Home Video Heroes,” and “Fort Boyard.” He has also appeared in several stage productions, including “Chicago” and “Hairspray.”
Despite his success, Les has faced some personal challenges over the years. In the late 1990s, he went through a very public divorce from his wife of 17 years, actress Amanda Holden. The split was widely covered by the media, and Les later admitted that it was a difficult time for him.
In recent years, Les has continued to work in entertainment, appearing on shows like “Celebrity Big Brother” and “Benidorm.” He has also written a memoir, “Must the Show Go On?,” which details his life and career in show business.
Throughout his career, Les Dennis has remained a beloved figure in British entertainment. His humor and warmth have endeared him to audiences of all ages, and his contributions to television and comedy will not be forgotten.
