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Who is Les Dennis? Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant and TV legend
The TV icon was the first to leave the dancing competition.
BBC/Guy Levy
- James Hibbs
Published: Thursday, 5 October 2023 at 12:12 pm
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Les Dennis was the first star to be eliminated from the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 competition.
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After placing bottom of the leaderboard during his first and second week, Dennis faced a dance off against radio host Nikita Kanda, whom the judges ultimately decided to save.
When asked by Tess about his time with Nancy Xu on the show, Les said: "I've had the best time, this lady has been amazing, a great teacher, she's really put me through my paces."
Turning to Nancy, he continued: "I did as well as I could for you, I hope! That lot up there, I'm going to miss you so much. I really appreciate and understand the judge's point of view, thank you so much for giving me a 10 for entertainment. I hope I've entertained, that's what I came here for. Strictly is the best and the people who put this on, you're just all amazing!"
Read on for everything you need to know about Les Dennis.
Who is Les Dennis?
Les Dennis for Strictly Come Dancing 2023. BBC
Age: 69
Job: TV personality, actor and entertainer
Instagram: @lesdennis
Twitter: @LesDennis
Strictly partner: Nancy Xu
Dennis is a TV personality, actor and entertainer who has been in showbiz for over 50 years. He is perhaps best-known for hosting Family Fortunes between 1987 and 2002, while he also starred in Coronation Street between 2014 and 2016.
He started his career as a comedian on the working men’s club circuit in and around Liverpool before winning the TV talent show New Faces.
He subsequently starred in sketch and variety show The Laughter Show, and has had acting roles in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders and more.
He is also known for his stage work, having starred with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera, and in hit productions such as Hairspray and Legally Blonde The Musical.
Les Dennis's Strictly journey so far
Scoreboard
Week One: Tango (2+4+5+5) = 16
Week Two: Samba (2+4+4+5) = 15
What has Les Dennis said about joining Strictly 2023?
Dennis said in a statement: "I'm thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I've always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone, and this is the ultimate one! Can't wait."
The news that he is joining the line-up was revealed on Good Morning Britain on Friday 11th August.
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When does Strictly Come Dancing 2023 air?
Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One and iPlayer every Saturday evening, followed by the results show the next day.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 7th October at 6:20pm. The results show will air on Sunday 8th October on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
James HibbsDrama Writer
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
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