Les Dennis quits Family Fortunes

Les Dennis has quit as host of TV quiz Family Fortunes after 15 years.

The entertainer said he thought it was time for "a natural break" from the show.

He will still be seen in a number of forthcoming shows which have been already recorded.

Dennis said: "Carlton invited me to continue as host on the show but I feel that now is the right time to move on.

"I have been with Family Fortunes for 15 years and although I have had great times with it, I am working on new projects both in TV and other areas.

"I have great affection for it. I wish it all the best and I'm sure it will run for many more series in its new slot."

Dennis, 47, is understood to have been disappointed by the future direction of the show.

Programme maker Carlton has been in discussions to make a daytime edition of the show which would have lower prize levels, with more shows being made each day, and the studio audience would be ditched.

Dennis is the third presenter of the show, which began with Bob Monkhouse as the host, then Max Bygraves. He has helped to turn the show around to become a well-loved fixture in the schedules.

A spokesman for Carlton said: "We go into production next month for a new series and will announce the new host in the next few weeks."