Les Dennis has revealed that he realized that his marriage to Amanda Holden wouldn’t last after hearing a comment from a tradesman.
The former couple's relationship began in the mid-1990s when they met during a stage production of The Sound of Music.
The pair tied the knot in 1995, with Dennis, then 40, marrying the 23-year-old Holden.
Their marriage quickly became high-profile, attracting attention from the media.
However, their union faced significant strain when, in 2000, it was revealed that Holden had been having an affair with actor Neil Morrissey, best known for his role in Men Behaving Badly.
Despite the couple's attempts to salvage their relationship, they officially separated in 2002 and finalized their divorce a year later.
Les Dennis and Amanda Holden had an 18-year age gap. Credit: Gareth Davies/Getty
Dennis Reflects on the Moment He Knew
The TV host has since reflected on his marriage to Holden, revealing a moment he now sees as a clear indicator that their relationship was doomed.
In an interview cited by the Daily Express, he recalled a seemingly ordinary day at their home in Highgate, when a conversation with a plumber made him realize something was wrong.
“It was Grand National Day, and the plumber was there to fix the washing machine,” Dennis explained.
“Amanda came running and said, ‘We need to put a bet on.’ So I gave her ten quid, and she went, ‘Oh, we need to put more than that on.’ I went, ‘Twenty?’ And the plumber went, ‘Kids, eh?’"
"Maybe I should have known then," he added.
Amanda Holden's Regret and the Fallout from the Affair
Back in 2009, the Britain's Got Talent judge opened up about the emotional aftermath of her affair with Morrissey.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, she admitted that it was a "very dark time" in her life, adding: “I brought it on myself, I appreciate that, but nothing will ever be as bad again."
Holden confessed to struggling deeply with the consequences of her actions, adding, “It got to the point where I felt I could hardly breathe.”
She also revealed how Dennis, despite being hurt by the affair, was there for her during this tumultuous period.
“Les proved to be my savior. Ironically. So the person I'd hurt the most in the world was the one who was there for me.”
The actress also expressed that she took full responsibility for the affair, saying, "I don't believe women have affairs for no reason. Neil rightly or wrongly got loads of stick. I feel like it was my fault - I was the one who was married," per The Mirror.
Neil Morrissey and Amanda Holden had an affair. Credit: Dave Benett/Getty
Morrissey’s Apology and Dennis’s Healing Process
While Morrissey’s role in the affair had been widely discussed, it wasn’t until 2014 that he publicly addressed it, issuing an apology to Les Dennis.
On Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, Morrissey expressed regret over how the situation had been handled and acknowledged the emotional toll it had on Dennis.
“I feel sorry for how the situation was dealt with and I feel sorry for how emotional Les seemed to become. It was very difficult for him and for that I'm very sorry," Morrissey said.
Les Dennis and Amanda Holden met in 1993. Credit: Dave Hogan/Getty
In recent years, Dennis has moved past the pain, reflecting on his relationship with Holden with a sense of understanding and no bitterness.
"We're not in touch, but I am happy that she's happy. I can watch Britain's Got Talent without getting angry. To be honest, it's like watching a different person, someone I've never met. All the hurt that has happened has been healed," he shared.
Holden is now in a relationship with record producer husband Chris Hughes.
Meanwhile, Les married Claire Nicholson in 2009.