Les Dennis must have uttered the words “Our Survey Said” thousands of times over the twelve year period that he hosted Family Fortunes. Even the computers electronic, wrong answer Uh Oh! became famous. A lot of people believe that Les took over the series from the original host Bob Monkhouse. Bob started the show in 1980 but handed the reins over to Max Bygraves in 1983. Max hosted it for another two years, after which the show stopped altogether.
1987 saw the return of Family Fortunes with Les Dennis as host. During his time, Family Fortunes became one of televisions highest rated and longest running game shows with viewing figures in excess of 14 Million.
Les Dennis originally found fame on TVs New Faces in the mid 70s. New Faces was a talent competition which was the starting point for a number of famous names. These included Jim Davidson, Roy Walker, Victoria Wood and later in the 80s revival of the programme, Joe Pasquale.
Les later joined up with Russ Abbot as a vital member of the zany Madhouse team. He appeared in each of the LWT series Russ Abbot’s Madhouse and all the Madhouse specials that followed. Later Les Dennis moved on to form a highly successful partnership with fellow comic Dustin Gee. It was after Dustin’s untimely death in 1986 that Les changed direction. He became more of an all round family entertainer with Family Fortunes. Theatre was another passion for Les along with his love of Panto he also made his big screen debut with the 90s film Intimate Relations alongside Julie Walters and Rupert Graves. His theatre credits include the leading role of Bill Snibson in the award winning musical Me and My Girl at London’s Adelphi Theatre.
In 2002, TVs Big Brother saw Les enter the House and this possibly became one TV appearance that he might wish to forget but he did come out in second place after Take That’s Mark Owen and beating fellow celebrities, Melinda Messenger, Anne Diamond, Comedian Sue Perkins and the DJ Goldie.
In 2006 he then showed up on the Ricky Gervais sitcom Extras.
Les laid himself bare in Extras. Quite literally – there was a nude scene. Les said of the experience Only Ricky Gervais could have got me to do what I did… you’ll know what I mean when you see it! Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant were great fun to work with. Extras was one of the most joyous working experiences I have had in my career.
2008 saw Les publish his memoirs in his book: Must The Show Go On?
Les Dennis is acknowledged as one of Britain’s most popular stage and television entertainers. Les will consider after dinner speaking engagements, hosting and personal appearances.