After Les Dennis was announced as one of the future stars of Strictly Come Dancing, fans couldn’t help but reflect on his explosive personal life.
Fast forward 30 years: In 1993, the then 40-year-old host of Family Fortunes met and fell in love with none other than Amanda Holden, who was 22 and starting her own career on stage when they both starred in a production of The Sound Of Music “ played along.
After taking the stage together in Bournemouth, they married two years later in 1995 in a lavish ceremony complete with a magazine selection and luxe accessories.
However, it came to a crashing end five years later when it was revealed that Amanda was having an affair with fellow “Happy Birthday” Shakespearean Neil Morrissey — something she later emphasized was “just about sex.”
After a brief breakup in 2000, they reunited but finally split in 2002.
Inside Les Dennis and Amanda Holden’s doomed marriage: How the Strictly star’s shocking 18-year age difference romance turned to heartache over her sex-crazed fling with Neil Morrissey
Then: After Les Dennis was announced as one of the future stars of Strictly Come Dancing, fans had to ponder his explosive personal life (Amanda Holden and Dennis seen in 2000 – the year their affair came to light)
Sexy stuff: However, things came to a crashing end five years later when it was revealed that Amanda was having an affair with fellow ‘Happy Birthday’ Shakespearean Neil Morrissey — something she later claimed was “just about sex.” ‘ went (Neil and Amanda seen in 2003)
Ouch: In 1993, the then 40-year-old “Family Fortunes” host met and fell in love with none other than Amanda Holden, who was 22 and launched her own stage career when they both starred in a production of “The Sound Of Music.”
Of the breakup, Amanda said afterwards, “I brought it on myself, I appreciate that, but nothing will ever be that bad again.” It was a very dark time. It got to a point where I felt like I could hardly breathe.
She later said, “In a way, I’ve always admired him for not trying to hide his true feelings.” He’s honest about how he feels…
“My problem is that I’m a people lover.” I may feel depressed, but I will always put a smile on my face to the rest of the world…
“And I’m ruled by my heart, not my head.” I always have been, and it gets me in trouble. I am not an enigma. I’ve wished all my life that I could be mysterious…
“But I’m not. I don’t know what I’m all about, but people would catch the slightest comment or trivial thing I did and suddenly I’m all over the papers again.’
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Finally, in 2014, Neil apologized to game show host Les for the affair he was having with then-wife Amanda. The star, who previously said he didn’t apologize to Les, admitted as much on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories.
He said, “I’m sorry for how the situation was handled and I’m sorry for how emotional Les seemed to have gotten. It was very difficult for him and I’m sorry for that.”
His comment came after Piers asked him if he’d ever apologized to Les, to which he replied: “No, I haven’t.” I’m not sure what there’s an apology for. I don’t know how the whole situation was, to be perfectly fair to everyone.’
Earlier this year, Les caused a stir among fans when he seemingly took a dig at his ex-wife after she posted a slew of lewd snaps from Paris on her Instagram.
Pain: Speaking about the breakup afterwards, Amanda said, “I caused it myself, I appreciate that, but nothing will ever be that bad again.” It was a very dark time. “It got to the point where I felt like I could hardly breathe” (the couple seen in 2000)
Love: In 2014, Neil finally apologized to game show host Les for the affair he was having with then-wife Amanda (the couple in 2000).
Strong: She later said, “In a way, I’ve always admired the way he doesn’t try to hide his true feelings.” He’s honest about how he feels.
Les wagged his tongues after seemingly attacking his former partner’s post.
Amanda has shared a series of snaps of herself on a night out in the French capital.
Les then cheekily posted a snap from his less-than-luxurious wardrobe – while touring the country with the musical 42nd Street – and wrote, ‘Not in Paris.’ In Leicester’.
He recently made headlines again when he opened up about Amanda and his feelings toward his ex, saying he’s “happy she’s happy.”
Speaking to the Times, he said, “Amanda was in the paper recently and said some nice things about me.” That was very nice of her. Maybe over time she’s been able to look back and see things differently.
“We’re not in touch, but I’m glad she’s happy.” I can watch Britain’s Got Talent without getting angry. “To be honest, it’s like watching another person, someone I’ve never met.”
Les concluded, “All the pain that happened has healed.”
His love: Les is now returning to the spotlight as announced for Strictly. He has been married to Claire Nicholson since 2009, having met in 2005. They have a daughter Grace, 15, and a son Thomas, 12 (Les and Claire in 2019).
Happy couple: Amanda married her husband, a music producer, in 2008 (pictured together in 2014)
Shock: In a strange twist of fate, Les was managed by Chris’ father Mike Hughes early in his career and first met the record producer when he was a young child (Amanda and Les pictured at their 1995 wedding)
Now, as announced for Strictly, Les is returning to the spotlight. He has been married to Claire Nicholson since 2009, having met in 2005. They have a daughter Grace, 15, and a son Thomas, 12.
Before marrying Amanda, Les was married to Lynn Webster from 1974 to 1990, with whom he has one son, Phillip.
Amanda has been married to Chris Hughes since 2009 and they have two daughters together. In July, Les recalled the surprising first time he saw Chris.
Through a strange twist of fate, Les was managed by Chris’ father Mike Hughes early in his career and met the record producer when he was a young child.
Speaking to Kate Thornton in White Wine Question Time, he said: “I tell the story in my book that in 1973 Mike became my manager and Lynne and I were about to get married – my first wife Lynne – we were thrilled that Mike did it.” Become my manager.
“She said, ‘Let’s drive past his house’ because he lived on Queens Drive in Liverpool, we passed and the curtains were open and I said, ‘Look, there he is’ and we saw how Mike Hughes woke up a little bit.’ Kid and swing the kid around’.
French chic: Earlier this year, Les wowed fans when he seemingly took a dig at his ex-wife after she posted a slew of lewd snaps from Paris on her Instagram
Cheeky: Les then posted a snap from his less than luxe wardrobe – while touring the country with the musical 42nd Street – and wrote: “Not in Paris.” In Leicester