Les Dennis admits some people can be surprised when they realise he can act as well as present game shows.

The former Family Fortunes host has appeared in many television shows and stage productions over the years but is now receiving the recognition he deserves.

Fresh from the West End starring in Spamalot and a role in the touring production of Legally Blonde, Dennis takes centre-stage in The Perfect Murder.

“People come along and sometimes it is a surprise that I can act,” he says.

“But I have always done theatre, in fact I have been doing it for over 20 years but it can be forgotten when you are known for other stuff.

“To be known for Family Fortunes is a great thing though and anyone who watches Challenge can see me looking about 12.

“I still get chased down the street by people shouting uh-uh but it is fine.”

Dennis gained wide acclaim for his performance in Ricky Gervais’s Extras as a bitter and twisted version of himself.

He says he was wary of making sure it was not poking fun at him but as soon as he saw the script, he was sold.

He says: “It was the second venture for Ricky and Steve [Merchant] after The Office and might have gone either way.

“People said to make sure it wasn’t taking the mickey out of me but I just thought yes please.

“I was guest star for that week and it is great when people still talk about it being one of the best ones.

“Even Ricky says that now, which is obviously great when you had people like Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Kate Winslet in it.”

The Perfect Murder is based on a novel by Peter James and centres on an unhappy couple who have been married for 20 years.

Dennis’s character, Victor, decides instead of filing for a divorce, he would save some time and murder his wife, Joan.

He describes his character as not particularly likable and the play itself as being a “black, dark comedy”.

Eagle-eyed fans would have seen Dennis' whistle-stop visit to Coronation Street last month as an intruder at Gail Platts’ home.

And he will be resuming his role on the cobbles in the summer.

He says: “It is a restorative justice storyline - Gail visits him in prison and it goes from there.

“I have always loved Coronation Street and am looking forward to returning to the screen in June.”

The Perfect Murder; Richmond Theatre, the Green, Richmond; April 22-26; 7.30pm performances, 2.30pm matinees; tickets from £11.90-£37.90; for more information, visit atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre.