From his early days performing stand-up comedy in various social clubs across the north-west to achieving fame on the popular show Family Fortunes, Les Dennis has had a successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry.
Despite his success, Les has faced tragedies as well. His comedy partner, Dustin Gee, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43 in 1986. Additionally, Les experienced heartbreak when his marriage to Amanda Holden ended due to her affair with Neil Morrissey.
While Les has been involved in a range of projects from Russ Abbot’s Madhouse to Coronation Street, he is most recognized for his 15-year tenure on Family Fortunes and his famous catchphrase “If it’s up there, I’ll give you the money myself!”
In a recent interview, Vernon Kay, who took over the “All Star” version of the show in 2006, shared how working on Family Fortunes provided him with insight into Les’s character. Vernon recalled a touching moment when Les personally passed on the baton to him upon landing the Family Fortunes hosting role.
Les also revealed a similar experience with the late Bob Monkhouse, the original host of the show. Bob had conveyed his support to Les when he took over as the show’s new host in 1987, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the show’s legacy.
Vernon and Les fondly reminisced about their shared love for Family Fortunes, including the iconic Mr Babbage sound effect that became a memorable part of the show. Les jokingly warned Vernon to expect fans calling out the sound effect when they see him in public.
Expressing his gratitude, Vernon thanked Les for his support and mentorship, highlighting the significance of passing the baton in the entertainment industry. He acknowledged the challenges of showbiz but commended individuals like Les for their kindness and professionalism.
Notably, Les once fulfilled his Family Fortunes promise during a televised episode in November 2000. Despite doubting the contestant’s response, he honored his commitment by personally providing the prize money.
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