Michael Rodwell: Last News

A former Coronation Street star has announced he is set to step in as the host of Countdown later this year. Comedian Les Dennis, who starred as Michael Rodwell in the ITV soap between 2014 and 2016 will present the Channel 4 game show this August.

Helen Worth showed off her cheeky side as she said goodbye to her Coronation Street co-stars after 50 years. The actress has already finished filming on the ITV soap after confirming her plans to bow out as Gail Platt earlier this year.

Emmerdale is set to air a surprise DNA twist in next week's episode as a new face arrives in the village.

Coronation Street icon Helen Worth has quit the ITV soap after 50 years as Gail Rodwell.The actress, 73, is celebrating five decades as Gail on the soap - and has made the decision to step down at the end of the year. Announcing her exit, Helen said: "This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.

Les Dennis has officially been unveiled as the new host of Countdown following Anne Robinson's final episode airing earlier this month. Collin Murray temporarily replaced Anne until the end of this year, but Les will step into the hosting role for a limited time through the month of August. With the star previously presenting Family Fortunes between 1987 and 2002, Les has got bags of experience under his belt and will bring his own style to the show as it continues its transitional period.

Eileen Grimshaw is one of many strong women on the Coronation Street cobbles.

He then debuted on BBC Radio Merseyside in 1971, before going on to win the ITV talent show New Faces in 1974.Les made his acting debut on Russ Abbot’s Madhouse in 1982, where he was part of the comedy team.In 1987, he became the third host of Family Fortunes, which he would go on to front for 15 years.He’s also appeared in films like Intimate Relations and television shows like Brookside, Family Affairs and Casualty.Les was also a contestant on Big Brother and filmed an episode of Extras as a fictionalised version of himself.In recent years, the star appeared in Coronation Street as Michael Rodwell for two years.He’s also taken on numerous theatre roles, including his upcoming part in Fat Friends The Musical.This will see him play Fergus in the production based on the popular ITV show created by Kay Mellor.Speaking about why he got involved, Les said: “I always wanted to work with Kay.“We've talked about it and kept meeting each other at functions and talking about it.“And then when she asked me I thought, ‘Well, yeah, let's do this!’”

Les Dennis has been forced to defend himself after a dad accused the actor of swearing at his young son.