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Dennis plays burglar in Coronation Street debut

NEW Coronation Street star Les Dennis makes his debut on the soap - when his character is rumbled as a burglar.

The comic and former Family Fortunes host, 60, arrives on screen on the ITV soap at the end of this month.

He plays a petty criminal, Michael Rogers, who is caught stealing from Gail McIntyre's house on the famous street.

In the first soap snaps of the star Gail, played by Helen Worth, arrives home to find Michael, who claims to be inspecting a gas leak, in her living room.

Pushing Gail, Michael jumps in a van and drives off as Kylie Platt, played by Paula Lane, runs after him before Gail discovers her favourite necklace has been stolen.

Dennis has previously said he is "thrilled" to be joining Coronation Street.

He said: "I've loved it since the beginning. I grew up watching all the amazing characters in the show.

"I now not only have the chance of meeting them, but also working with them.

"It doesn't get better than that." Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn has called Dennis "a fantastic performer and a real coup for Corrie".

The actor makes his debut on Monday March 24.

* STREET WISE: Les Dennis, playing burglar Michael Rogers, left, in a scene with Gail McIntyre, played by Helen Worth, in Coronation Street and, right, in front of the famous Rovers Return pub

PICTURE: Joseph Scanlon/ITV/PA Wire