Amanda Holden recently reflected on her initial impressions of Les Dennis in her autobiography, *No Holding Back*. She disclosed that upon first meeting him, she sensed he needed support.
Amanda Holden and Les Dennis: An Overview
Their relationship began backstage at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth during a production of *The Sound of Music*. Holden described Dennis, who is 16 years her senior, as appearing “sad, quiet and troubled.” This prompted her to feel an instinctive desire to help him.
Early Days of Their Relationship
Holden noted that their personalities clashed at first. She recalled Dennis thinking she was “loud, overconfident, and a bit brash,” while she perceived him as “miserable.” Initially, they formed a platonic friendship, with no romantic feelings emerging right away.
- Initial encounter: Backstage at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre
- Relationship type: Platonic friendship initially
- Age difference: Les Dennis is 16 years older than Amanda Holden
Marriage and Subsequent Challenges
In 1995, after several years of getting to know one another, Amanda and Les wed. However, their marriage was short-lived. They separated five years later due to Amanda’s affair with her co-star, Neil Morrissey, during the production of *Happy Birthday Shakespeare*.
In 2002, Dennis confronted the public interest in their split by participating in the second series of *Celebrity Big Brother*. Reflecting on his decision, he later labeled it “not one of his wisest moves.” Following the revelation of the affair, Holden described this tumultuous period as the “worst time of her life.”
Aftermath and Divorce
Amanda later expressed feelings of self-loathing for her betrayal of Dennis. Despite their attempts to mend their relationship, they ultimately divorced in 2003.
Current Endeavors
Looking ahead, Les Dennis is scheduled to appear on *Sunday Brunch* on March 29, while Amanda Holden will return as a judge on *Britain’s Got Talent* on March 28.
