TV comic and presenter Les Dennis is best known to local fans as a cheery chap. But he intends to pile on the "Misery" when he comes to Oldham next year.

The popular game show host and comedian says he intends to wipe the smile off audience's faces on stage at the Coliseum Theatre.

He will be appearing in the stage adaptation of the Stephen King novel, Misery, early in the New Year.

The play, for only two actors, is described as a "compellingly cruel thriller" and director Alan Rothwell promises an intensity with which the audience "will almost see the whites of the actors' eyes". And this is an aspect of the play which Les particularly relishes.

He knows that when the curtain is raised, audiences will be looking at the amiable Family Fortunes host, but says his challenge is to make them forget that fact after the first five minutes.

He said: "The first dramatic role I played was in a David Hare play, Skylight, two years ago. Again that was a two-hander and I came out in a beard and wearing glasses, maybe because it was my first straight drama and I wanted to look as different as possible -- but people still saw me, the game show host.

"Thankfully, they seemed to forget after the first five minutes. And that, of course, is what I am after -- it is part of the challenge.

"I enjoy trying my hand at everything. I love doing Family Fortunes but it only takes three-and-a-half weeks every year. The rest of the year I want to spend being challenged, stretching myself.

"I have read Misery the book, and seen the film, and loved it. Being a two-hander makes the play more interesting to act in. It helps give a claustrophobic, intense feeling on stage.

"The challenge comes not only from the number of lines to learn, but the emotion involved -- having to recreate the pain and frustration the character is going through.

"The Coliseum has a great reputation. I have been here to watch a couple of productions in recent years. I also have links with Oldham from when I was about 17 or 18, just starting out. I would work all the working men's clubs in the area and it will be interesting to see how many are still open today." Has Family Fortunes host been stalked? THE storyline of Misery follows the fate of best selling romantic novelist Paul Sheldon. He is driving through the snow to Colorado and suddenly his car skids off the road. He awakes some days later in a dilapidated farmhouse with his "number one fan", and his nightmare begins.

Had Les ever been cornered or frightened by an over zealous fan? He laughed: "I know the situation -- every performer does.

"We are in the public eye, more accessible to people. It is probably worse for women who are more open to the situation of someone becoming a little too obsessed with them."

Les's co-star has yet to be announced. The production will run at the Coliseum from February 8 to March 3.