Les Dennis tries parmo at Little Sicily in Sedgefield

Customers spotted the former Family Fortunes host enjoying the Teesside delicacy at Little Sicily in Sedgefield on Saturday (September 28) evening.

The actor has been starring in a production of Ghost at the Darlington Hippodrome, and visited the restaurant which was recently slammed with a one-star rating by food hygiene inspectors.

Les tucked into a pasta dish and dessert platter to finish, and tried out the parmo, although said it was a little “too cheesy” for him.

He said: “The hospitality has been extraordinary, and the food is some of the best I’ve ever had. If I wasn’t heading home, I’d be back for Sunday lunch."

Customers at the Italian restaurant were said to be thrilled.

Les with manager Emma Russell. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Manager Emma Russell said: “It was such a shock to have Les Dennis visit. He was so friendly, chatting with staff and taking selfies with customers who recognised hum. It was a real honour for us.”

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It comes just weeks after the restaurant was handed a one-star food hygiene rating, with inspectors finding rodent droppings, “filthy” floor coverings and open containers of chips being stored on the floor.

It was told major improvement was necessary after the spot-visit by council food teams on July 4.