Corrie plot is close to Les Dennis' heart

The actor’s character in the ITV drama, Michael Rodwell, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition.

In real life, his father and his long-standing comedy partner, Dustin Gee, both died after suffering heart problems.

“The parallels with this storyline are quite freaky,” Les told the Daily Mirror. “Michael has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – Dustin had dilated cardiomyopathy, while my dad died from a heart condition.

“Because of this, it is something I obviously relate to. Dustin was in his prime and doing really well at 43, then he was suddenly taken away. I draw on the tears easier because of it.”

Les continued: “Dustin knew he had this condition, he knew he was on borrowed time, but Dustin being Dustin, a fatalist, just said, ‘F*** it. When I go, I go’.”

The show’s viewers will see Michael having open heart surgery as he battles the condition, which is also known as Sudden Death Syndrome.

“With this storyline I hope to show people how to deal with it – there’s no cure but it can be lessened. I know the researchers spoke to a lot of consultants and were very keen to get everything right,” Les explained.

“I also spoke to two guys who have the same condition as Michael. They had to undergo a heart transplant but have both come out the other side.”

The 61-year-old star, who has two young children with third wife Claire Nicholson, now has regular check-ups to monitor his own health.

“It has made me more aware, and I do try and look after myself. My dad first had a heart attack when I was 14,” he said.

“I remember it because we were supposed to be going to Butlin’s and, being a terribly selfish kid, I was gutted because it meant we couldn’t go. He then died while I was away with Russ Abbott on tour.”