23 September 2023 , 16:00
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Les Dennis has revealed the tragedy that led to the end of his marriage to ex-wife Amanda Holden, and it wasn’t her cheating.
The comedian and actor is one of the celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, and while he’s best known for hosting TV shows such as Family Fortunes, Les hit the headlines in 2002 when he parted ways with then-wife Amanda after she had an affair with Neil Morrissey. But in a new interview, the funnyman, the 69-year-old has shared the real cause of his divorce, and it was down to the devastating death of his former comedy partner.
Les teamed up with fellow comedian Dustin Gee in the 1980s, and they went on to become a huge success, landing their own ITV show, called The Laughter Show, which ran for two series. However, their partnership came to a tragic end in 1986, when Dustin suffered a heart attack on stage and died at the age of just 43. The comedian had been starring in the Cinderella pantomime in Southport at the time, and Les was left heartbroken following the star’s tragic death.
Les and Amanda tied the knot in 1995 (South Coast Press/REX/Shutterstock)
The couple parted ways in 2002, after Amanda had an affair (Getty Images)Les opened up on his grief, and confessed he regrets not mourning Dustin – and his parents – properly, which he said led to his first marriage crumbling. He said he “didn’t take stock” of his emotions after Dustin’s death, and was persuaded by ITV producers to go back on stage just one day after his partner has died. “And I shouldn't have done that. And I think my first marriage fell apart because I didn't take stock,” he explained.
He then went on to describe how he found out about the death of his mum, who passed away while he was on stage, and regrets being convinced to carry on performing when his heart was breaking following the death of his father. “And then I was again convinced to go on stage that night and do the show as a ‘tribute’ to my dad. So, there have been times when I've not grieved,” Les bravely shared.
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He spoke about the importance of mental wellbeing, and revealed he regretted thinking “the show must go on”, as it impacted his relationships in the long-term. “My first marriage probably was affected by my blinkered... just getting on (with it),” he added, talking about his relationship with first wife Lynn Webster. Les and Amanda tied the knot in 1992 when she was just 22 and he was 40. However, their union lasted for just eight years, and they divorced when her affair with actor Neil was uncovered in 2002. Les has been married to his third wife, Claire Nicholson, since 2009 and together they share two children, daughter Eleanor and son Thomas.