Strictly Come Dancings Les Dennis 69 stays casual in sportswear

Strictly Come Dancing’s Les Dennis, 69, stays casual in sportswear as he is spotted at show rehearsals for the first time after being announced as the last contestant

He was announced Thursday as the 15th and final contestant to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

And Les Dennis appeared to be in good spirits on Friday when he was first spotted rehearsing for the show.

The 63-year-old actor and presenter seemed ready to work up a sweat as he slipped into casual gym clothes for his dance practice.

Wearing a blue Nike t-shirt, navy sweatpants and blue sneakers, he was certainly dressed for the role as he paused for a breather outside.

The star was seen chatting on his phone while pacing outside.

Ready to dance: Les Dennis appeared in good spirits on Friday when he was first spotted at Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals for the show

Ready to dance: Les Dennis appeared in good spirits on Friday when he was first spotted at Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals for the show

Fight fit: The 63-year-old actor and presenter seemed ready to work up a sweat as he slipped into casual gym clothes for his dance practice

Fight fit: The 63-year-old actor and presenter seemed ready to work up a sweat as he slipped into casual gym clothes for his dance practice

Big news!  Les Dennis, 69, was confirmed as the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant on brand new series Strictly Come Dancing on Thursday

Big news! Les Dennis, 69, was confirmed as the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant on brand new series Strictly Come Dancing on Thursday

Since dance practice was thirsty, the former Coronation Street actor also clung to a bottle of water.

Dancing also obviously turned out to be hungry work as food was delivered to the building.

Two men carrying bags full of merchandise from the Pret A Manger sandwich chain were seen climbing the stairs and going inside.

Les will join a star-studded cast on the show that also includes Adam Thomas, Angela Scanlan and Zara McDermott.

Les became a household name as the presenter of Family Fortunes from 1987 to 2002 after starting out as a comedian in his hometown of Liverpool.

Since Family Fortunes, Les has had a number of acting roles, including on BBC sitcom Extras and ITV soap Coronations Street.

Les said he was “thrilled to be doing this iconic, wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday!”

“Throughout my career I’ve always taken on challenges that are outside of my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one!” I can’t wait.’

Training day: Wearing a blue Nike t-shirt, navy jogging bottoms and blue sneakers, he was certainly dressed for this part as he took a breather outside

Training day: Wearing a blue Nike t-shirt, navy jogging bottoms and blue sneakers, he was certainly dressed for this part as he took a breather outside

Intermission: The star was seen chatting with his phone while pacing outside Downtime: Les enjoyed a moment to himself during a break from training

Intermission: The star was seen chatting with his phone while pacing outside

Refreshments: While the dance practice left him thirsty, the former Coronation Street actor also clung to a bottle of water

Refreshments: While the dance practice left him thirsty, the former Coronation Street actor also clung to a bottle of water

Chit-chat: The TV star was lost in thought as she spoke to someone on the phone outside Conversation: Les was deep in conversation outside

Chit-chat: The TV star was lost in thought as she spoke to someone on the phone outside

State of dance!  Les will join a star-studded line-up on the show, which also includes Adam Thomas, Angela Scanlan and Zara McDermott

State of dance! Les will join a star-studded line-up on the show, which also includes Adam Thomas, Angela Scanlan and Zara McDermott

Refreshments: Dancing obviously turned out to be hungry work as well, as food was delivered to the building

Refreshments: Dancing obviously turned out to be hungry work as well, as food was delivered to the building

lunch time!  Two men carrying bags full of merchandise from the Pret A Manger sandwich chain were seen climbing the stairs and going inside

lunch time! Two men carrying bags full of merchandise from the Pret A Manger sandwich chain were seen climbing the stairs and going inside

He’s certainly aware that his age could make life on the show more difficult, but told Ben Shephard and Ranvir Singh on GMB: “When you’re offered something like that it gives you a kick in the step.”

Beaming Les also told the presenters how hard it had been to keep his involvement in the glitzy show a secret.

It hadn’t been easy, however, and he admitted to accidentally breaking the news to his Twitter followers last week.

“Strictly producers are asking you to submit a playlist of songs you might like. My daughter put them together and Strictly, Les Dennis had a phat finger moment and tweeted them.”

Les began his career as a comedian at the Working Men’s Club in and around his hometown of Liverpool.

Can't wait: Les said he's

Can’t wait: Les said he’s “thrilled to be doing this iconic, wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday!”

Oops: The former Family Fortunes presenter was revealed during an appearance on Friday's Good Morning Britain program (pictured), where he admitted he accidentally leaked the news early

Oops: The former Family Fortunes presenter was revealed during an appearance on Friday’s Good Morning Britain program (pictured), where he admitted he accidentally leaked the news early

Entry: He said:

Entry: He said: “Strictly producers are asking you to send a playlist of songs you might like, my daughter put it together and Strictly, Les Dennis and had a phat finger moment and tweeted it.”

He got his big break on the TV talent show New Faces and went on to star in the sketch and variety show The Laughter Show, in which he doubled with the late Dustin Gee.

His television career includes roles on Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders.

On stage he has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company, English National Opera and in successful plays and musicals such as Hairspray, Legally Blonde – The Musical and 42nd Street.

According to Ladbrooks, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier is the winner with 7/2 ahead of Layton Williams (4/1). Zara McDermott and Adam Thomas, both at 5/1, should also be among the top contenders.

Corrie’s Ellie Leach is 6/1, Nikita Kanda and Angela Scanlan are each 8/1, and Paralympian Jody Cundy is 10/1.

Meanwhile, Annabel Croft and Angela Rippon are at 12/1, along with Eddie Kandi and Nigel Harman, both at 14/1.

On the outside are Chrishnan Guru-Murthy 25/1, Les Dennis 30/1 and actress Amanda Abbington 20/1.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?

Angela Rippon

1691231792 195 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Krishnan Guru Murphy CONFIRMED as the fourth

Age: 78

Occupation: journalist

Angela says: “I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one and as a former Come Dancing host this is going to be quite an adventure for me.” But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe learning to dance Argentine tango.”

Amanda Abbington

1691231794 753 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Krishnan Guru Murphy CONFIRMED as the fourth

Age: 49

Profession: actress

Amanda says, “I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually very shy and self-confident, so this is a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.”

Layton Williams

1691231795 99 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Krishnan Guru Murphy CONFIRMED as the fourth

Age: 28

Profession: actor

Layton says: “I am absolutely delighted to confirm that I will be taking part in the most famous dance competition in the UK!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

Krishnan Guru-Murphy

1691423731 951 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Zara McDermott is confirmed as the

Age: 53

Occupation: journalist

Krishnan says, “I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to be participating in Strictly’s ‘You only live once!’ “I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little worried about my general weakness.”

Eddie Kadie

1691423733 630 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Zara McDermott is confirmed as the

Age: 40

Profession: comedian and radio presenter

Eddie says, “WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to me. I am so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise you I’ll give everything I have. This will be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

1691423734 61 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Zara McDermott is confirmed as the

Age: 39

Profession: TV presenter

Angela says, ‘I’m not very fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing.’ I’ve never done any other dances except drunk jiving at a wedding!’

Zara McDermott

1691479546 507 Strictly Come Dancing Emmerdale star Adam Thomas is the eighth

Age: 26

Profession: Documentary filmmaker and former Love Island star

Zara says “I’m so excited to join the world of Strictly!” I grew up with my grandma and watched the movie every year and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.”

Adam Thomas

1691488407 283 Strictly Come Dancing star Krishnan Guru Murthy has left station bosses

Age: 34

Profession: actor and presenter

Adam says, “I can’t dance to save my life, but I’m dying to learn and have a lot of laughs with my pro.” Get me on the dance floor…I can’t wait!’

Nikita Kanda

1691488409 458 Strictly Come Dancing star Krishnan Guru Murthy has left station bosses

Age: 27

Profession: radio and television presenter

Nikita says, “I can’t believe I’ll be on Strictly.” It’s a dream come true. I’m still pinching. I don’t think it will really take hold until I hit the dance floor. I can’t wait to get dressed up and go outside. Throw the glitter at me!’

Ellie Leach

1691661215 771 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup All celebrity contestants confirmed for

Age: 22

Profession: Star of Coronation Street

Ellie says, “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to do Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I think dreams really do come true!!!!”

Jody Cundy

1691661216 190 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup All celebrity contestants confirmed for

Age: 44

Profession: Paralympic Champion

Jody says, “I look forward to the challenge and to pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always the last one on the dance floor. I can’t wait to get started and bring the glitter and sequins with me.”

Bobby Brazier

1691661218 264 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup All celebrity contestants confirmed for

Age: 20

Profession: EastEnders star and model

Bobby says, “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add a few moves to my repertoire.” ready to perform in front of everyone.”

Nigel Harman

1691661220 829 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup All celebrity contestants confirmed for

Age: 49

Profession: actor

Nigel says, “I’m amazed, excited and scared to do Strictly.” As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people spun and spun across the screen. And now it’s my turn…gulp!’

Annabel Croft

1691661221 20 Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup All celebrity contestants confirmed for

Age: 57

Profession: broadcaster and former tennis player

Says Annabel: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’ll be part of this magical show – I’ll swap tennis balls for glitter balls and look forward to finding some joy in the process.”

Les Dennis

1691762740 934 Strictly Come Dancings Les Dennis 69 stays casual in sportswear

Age: 69

Occupation: Actor and game show host

Les says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be doing this iconic, beautiful show as I approach my 70th birthday!” In my career I’ve always taken on challenges that are outside of my comfort zone and this is the ultimate! I can barely wait for it.’