'I don't mind changing nappies,' says Les Dennis as he poses with his new baby girl 28 years after his first child was born

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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It's twenty-eight years since he had his first born, but Les Dennis is more than happy to be back changing nappies.

As Les and his fiance Claire Nicholson show off their new born baby girl, the 54-year-old reveals how he's relishing his role as a modern dad.

"I love cuddling Eleanor when she cries and changing her nappies," he said. "I used to change Philip's when he was a baby, too, so there's nothing new about it for me."

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Contented Les Dennis and fiancee Claire show off their bundle of joy, three-week-old Eleanor

The former Family Fortunes host met his new bundle of joy Eleanor just three weeks ago, on April 24, and already him and life coach Claire have happily settled into a routine of feeds, naps and nappy changing.

Les had his son, Philip, with his first wife, Lynne, twenty-eight years ago but says he feels better prepared for fatherhood this time round.

"When Philip was a baby, I was building up my career, so I had to work away from home a lot," he said.

"Now I can be more selective. I'm not chasing my tail any more like I used to, and will, without a moment's thought, put Eleanor before my work instead of the other way around."

The content interview comes a week after Les was seen looking exhausted outside a cafe near his Highgate home, which sparked rumours that caring for a newborn baby at 54 was taking its toll.

But Les says his weary appearance was the result of an heavy night out the night before, celebrating the arrival of his daughter.

He told Hello magazine he's quite the opposite of an old, tired dad. "My son Philip, some friends and I had had a few drinks and a very good and very late night out!"

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Like father, like daughter: A sentimental Des cuddles his newborn for the camera

Claire, who's become a mum for the first time at 37, backs him up. Les is "full of energy", she says, "he enters into every aspect of looking after Eleanor. When I'm feeling tired, he just takes over."

And his experience certainly has its benefits, she says.

"It's uncharted waters for me but he's done it all before. When I'm worried about Eleanor, his confidence is so reassuring."

"Les has the magic touch," said adds. "He has this special way of putting her over his shoulder; she just loves it."

And it appears his three-week-old daughter isn't the only one falling for Les' paternal charms.

Claire said: "I used to think Les and I couldn't get any closer. Since Eleanor was born, however, this huge new stretch of love has unfolded in front of us."

Les wholeheartedly agreed, saying their relationship is "stronger than ever".

He said: "We were sitting down the other day, looking at this little person we made, and I turned to Claire and said, 'We made her; we're a family."

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