Les Dennis

Actor, presenter and comedian Les Dennis joins Vernon Kay to choose ten songs that have soundtracked his life, including tracks by Elvis Costello, The Beatles, Ben E King and Joni Mitchell.

Les tells Vernon about growing up in Liverpool, attending the same school as John Lennon and later meeting Paul McCartney. Then they discuss Les's early career, including his double-act with Dustin Gee and taking on hosting duties for Family Fortunes whilst acting in theatre in his free time, and how that love of the stage has continued to this day with his current role in Waitress.

Les was born in 1953 in Garston, Liverpool and describes himself as a quiet kid who shone during school plays and holiday camp talent competitions. His comedy career started in the 70s in working men's clubs before he won the TV show New Faces and formed a double-act with Dustin Gee. The pair worked together until Dustin passed away in 1986 and the following year Les began one of his best known TV roles, presenting Family Fortunes. Whilst hosting that show for fifteen years he became a household name, and away from the studio he took on theatre roles - his credits over thirty years including Hairspray and Spamalot, various pantomimes as well as productions for the English National Opera and Royal Shakespeare Company. He is currently starring in the current UK touring production of Waitress, playing Joe. The musical tells the story of Jenna, a baker and waitress who unexpectedly becomes pregnant and feels trapped in an unhappy marriage – so enters a pie contest, hoping the grand prize will help.

You can also watch Vernon's conversations for Tracks Of My Years on BBC iPlayer and Radio 2's YouTube channel, just search for 'Tracks Of My Years'.

A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 2.