Les Dennis has inspired a trend of social media jokes after a fan made up an encounter with him and posted about it online.
The trend was ignited after a Twitter user claimed he met the former ‘Family Fortunes’ presenter in Warrington and said he snubbed the chance for a picture and had sworn at his son.
They wrote: "Met @LesDennis today in the Brewers Fayre in Warrington. What a disappointment!!!! Refused to have a picture with me and swore at my 2 year old son. #Disappointed. (sic)"
However, Les hit back and claimed that he had been at home all day and accused the tweeter of making up the story.
He tweeted: "No you didn’t. I am at home and have been all day. Don’t lie. (sic)"
Les’ firm shutdown sparked hilarity on social media, with Twitter users subsequently sharing increasingly outlandish stories about meeting the veteran TV star.
One user wrote: "Met Les Dennis in the Welsh valleys, shotgun in hand whilst he was hunting people for sport. I remember him saying ‘Tell anyone what you have seen today and I will eradicate your existence.’
"He then shook my hand and signed an autograph. Top bloke."
The 66-year-old presenter saw the humour in the situation and retweeted a few bizarre claims, including one suggesting he was behind the spread of coronavirus.
Les also admitted that the posts made him realise Twitter can be a "great place".
He wrote: "All the I met Les Dennis posts are making me laugh out loud. You’re all making me see that Twitter can be a great place despite the odd idiot. Thank you all. (sic)"