BBC Strictly Come Dancing's highest-paid contestant will feature THIS year - according to reports. Les Dennis will take home a whopping £100k, according to reports. The ITV legend joins the Strictly Come Dancing 2023. Les, 69, will rake in between £75,000 and £100,000 for his part on the BBC show, which rarely pays six figures to contestants. A source said: “Les needs his Strictly pay day, and it’s set to be a record one for BBC bosses. It couldn’t have come at a more welcome time for Les.” Dennis has been in showbiz for over 50 years, including famously hosting Family Fortunes for 16 years. READ MORE Alison Hammond pays sweet tribute to co-star with T-shirt on Florida holiday Dennis started his career as a comedian on the Working Men’s Club circuit in and around his native Liverpool. He got his big break on TV Talent show New Faces, and went on to star in sketch and variety show The Laughter Show, forming a double-act with the late Dustin Gee. His TV career includes roles in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street . He was previously married to ITV Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, 62. But the pair called time on their marriage after she cheated with Neil Morrissey. On stage he’s starred with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera, and in hit plays and musicals such as Hairspray, Legally Blonde The Musical and 42nd Street. After being confirmed on ITV Good Morning Britain last week, Dennis said: “I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday!" The star - who counts the likes of BBC Extras and BBC Life's Too Short in his acting credits - told the ITV show: "In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.”