11 August 2023 , 10:11
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Strictly Come Dancing's final contestant was confirmed on Good Morning Britain on Friday as Les Dennis joined the studio to discuss signing up to the BBC show but, viewers were left confused over a series of blunders leading up to the announcement.
Ben Shephard and Ranvir Singh kicked off GMB by confirming they would be revealing the final Strictly 2023 contestant later on in the show. Throughout the morning, the hosts dropped a series of clues about the mystery celebrity's identity before heavily hinting Ben could be the contestant in question.
GMB entertainment correspondent Radzi Chinyanganya told viewers he would be revealing the identity of the celebrity before adding the announcement would take place at 8pm before correcting the time to 8am but, the time came and went with no Strictly announcement in sight.
Les Dennis was revealed as the final Strictly star (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)In another TV gaffe, Ben and Ranvir described the announcement as "exclusive" before correcting themselves, leaving GMB viewers confused and frustrated.
One tweeted: "The way they built that up and teased with the game show host part. Gutted it’s not Ben Shephard tbf. He’d have been great to watch. #gmb #strictly," and another wrote: "They are dragging the f**k out this strictly s****e #gmb."
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"Them dragging this out for Les Dennis is hilarious get on with it #strictly #gmb," a third said and another added: "It's Les Dennis and them trying to create suspense is hilarious it's been rumoured for days #strictly #gmb." Another confused fan said: "Am I making things up? Did Ben Shepherd not say they were revealing the #Strictly celeb at 8am? And it's now 8.34am and they're talking about a murder? We have a child waiting to see who it is man #GMB."
Les is the fifteenth and final contestant confirmed for this year's series. The showbiz stalwart hosted Family Fortunes for 16 years and his TV career includes roles in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street. Speaking about signing up, he said: “I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.”