LES Dennis has become the first celebrity to be knocked out of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Family Fortunes host took to the iconic dance floor ahead of starring in the Northwich Panto this Christmas.

During Saturday’s show, Dennis, 69, danced to Rock The Boat by The Hues Corporation with partner Nancy Xu and was given the lowest judges’ score of the episode – 15.

The results of the first public vote then meant Dennis had to face radio presenter Nikita Kanda in the dance-off on Sunday (October 1).

Dennis and Xu performed the samba, with Kanda and partner Gorka Marquez taking on the Charleston.

With three votes in favour of Kanda and Marquez, Dennis became the first to leave the competition.

Northwich Guardian: Les Dennis will perform in the Northwich Panto this ChristmasLes Dennis will perform in the Northwich Panto this Christmas (Image: PA/BBC)

When asked about his time on the show by presenter Tess Daly, Dennis said: “I’ve had the best time, this lady has been amazing, a great teacher, she’s really put me through my paces.

“(To Nancy) I did as well as I could for you, I hope. That lot up there, I’m going to miss you so much.

“I really appreciate and understand the judges’ point of view, thank you so much (to Shirley Ballas) for giving me a 10 for entertainment.

“I hope I’ve entertained, that’s what I came here for. Strictly is the best and the people who put this on, you’re just all amazing.”

Dennis will appear in Beauty and the Beast at Memorial Court this festive season.

“I’m so excited to be playing the evil Abanazer for the first time," he said earlier this year.

"As a Cheshire local it’s going to be a festive treat for my family - and our survey says - hopefully yours too!”

Dennis will be joined on stage by another face familiar, former Britain’s Git Talent winner Ashleigh Butler.

Butler won the TV talent show with her dog late dog Pudsey in 2012.

She will appear in the panto alongside her other trained dog, Sully.

The Northwich Panto runs from December 7 to December 31.