11 August 2023 , 20:42
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Les Dennis might be preparing for Strictly Come Dancing but the showbiz legend has shared major news about his health.
The actor who is one of the biggest names in British television is becoming the second-oldest contest of the series after Angela Rippon admits that his stint may be a challenge – but he's prepared. But Les has remained away from primetime television for seven years after a serious health shake-up.
In 2017, during a tour as part of The Addams Family, for the first time in his 50-year career, he took time off to focus on himself and his health. Now, the 69-year-old has opened up about his previous issues.
He said: "I was wearing make-up and you can't go out and you order in Deliveroo and you just eat pizza. Wagamama's was a favourite and it meant that not only was I piling on the pounds, I was not getting any fresh air." Les went on to reveal he'd contracted laryngitis but is thankful as it became the "biggest wake-up call" for him.
Les Dennis was playing Uncle Fester in The Addams Family when he received a major health warning (LesDennis/Twitter)
The TV legend completely changed his life after the health scare (WireImage)His diagnosis meant he missed the last ten weeks of his stint in the production but it made him realise he needed to focus on his health. Following a check-up at the doctor, he was told he was pre-diabetic, which made him "take responsibility".
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Speaking to The Sun, he continued: "I was touching just under 15 stone, which I knew was too high — I am 5ft 9in — and I'm now able to get into my old clothes, I changed my diet and rather than eating white bread, I will go for rye or sourdough bread." Les has also cut down on his meat and sugar intake and follows the Mediterranean diet.
Les was announced as the final Strictly contestant during an episode of Good Morning Britain where he shared his excitement. He said: "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."
Strictly Come Dancing's Les Dennis has opened up about his health (PA)But Les awkwardly made the announcement weeks before it was official when he accidentally shared his "Strictly by Les Dennis" Spotify playlist on X (previously known as Twitter). Discussing the error, he laid the blame on his "fat fingers". He explained: "What happened was, the Strictly producers asked me to send a playlist of songs you might like. I'm totally hopeless with social media and all that so my daughter put it together for me, so I could send it to my agent by email but I must have done a fat finger error and put it on Twitter instead."