I can relate to my Coronation Street character's storyline, says Dennis

Les Dennis's on-screen character in 'Coronation Street' has the same life threatening heart condition that killed his father.

The 61-year-old entertainer - who plays Michael Rodwell on the ITV soap - has revealed that cardiomyopathy is also the condition that killed his long-standing comedy partner, Dustin Gee.

He reflected: "The parallels with this storyline are quite freaky. 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.

"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'."

Les said he hopes the story of his on-screen character will help to educate some viewers.

He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "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. 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."