Leigh Francis, aka Keith Lemon, rose from humble beginnings to fame with Bo’ Selecta!. Despite struggles, his devotion to his wife and career shines through.
Leigh’s comedic talent and resilience are evident, but his personal life, including his devotion to Jill and their two children, remains central. Although rumors suggested he was quitting comedy, Leigh clarified this was untrue, continuing to entertain and inspire fans.
Looking ahead, Leigh is excited about future tours, a memoir release, and even joking about a trip to space. Despite his success, he remains grounded, valuing family, friends, and simple joys. Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon have indeed left an indelible mark on comedy.
Leigh Francis, best known for his alter ego Keith Lemon, has had an extraordinary career in comedy. From humble beginnings, Leigh moved to London and endured years of pilot shows and odd jobs. Despite hardships, including the loss of his father at 21 and nearly losing his wife Jill to Crohn’s disease, Leigh persevered. His breakthrough came after eight years with the creation of Bo’ Selecta!. Leigh’s career skyrocketed, earning him recognition alongside peers like Sasha Baron Cohen and Matt Lucas.
Leigh, you’ve had an epic career, but in the early days, was it hard to get a break?
It was an exciting adventure! Moving down to London. Slept in a B&B, then on my mate’s sister’s floor. Then I got a flat that had a sleeping blanket and a lamp in it. Jill moved down, we got a bit of furniture from Ikea. I did pilot after pilot to the point where I felt that was my job. I worked at the Paramount Channel. Dom Jolly sat next to me, Sasha Baron Cohen sat opposite me. Simon Peg and Jessica Heinz in one corner. Matt Lucas and David Walliams in the other corner. Noel Fielding and Julian Barrett in the middle. I worked at Nickelodeon on weekends. I did a sketch with Davina McCall, and she hooked me up with her agent. More pilots, bit parts, I think I’d been in London 8 years before Bo! happened. It wasn’t easy, but it was a fun adventure!
Your life looks rosy from the outside. Have you had any tough times? If so, how did you get over those?
Yeah, my dad died when I was 21; that was pretty tough. But I think it was that that made me go live the dream. Life is short. I nearly lost Jill once to Crohn’s disease too. That wasn’t pleasant. Don’t know what I’d do without Jill. She’s absolutely everything to me.
What was your upbringing like? Were you always the funny kid at school?
I never really say I’m funny, but I have a fun time. I had a lovely fun time as a kid. Still mates with my school and college mates.
What life lesson have you learned? What’s been the hardest part of life for you?
Like I said, life is short. Grab it by the balls!
You confirmed recently that you’re quitting comedy, is that true? If so, why?
I never confirmed I was quitting anything. The press gets a lot of stories off people’s socials. I think some troll on a live I was doing said you’re not funny. I said I know I’ve quit comedy. Whilst I was in the middle of a sellout tour. The other day I said I was going into space. I’m not though.
If you could go back and change anything, would you? And why?
I wouldn’t have watched The Exorcist when I was 11. It scared the undercrackers out of me. Out of me? Off of me? I shit myself.
What’s your biggest regret? If you’re feeling a little fed up or down, what do you do to get over it? As you always seem so happy, which we love!
No point in regretting things. Tomorrow is another day. Who knows what’s around the corner. I have a tree in my garden, I have a sofa, I have two wonderful kids and a wife.
Can’t complain about anything really when you think about it. Oh, and I own the actual Teen Wolf costume used in the film Teen Wolf! And I’ve got a new dog called Olive!
Tell us what you have planned for the future?
I’ve just done a tour and I loved it. So want to do another next year. I’ve got a memoir coming out soon! That’s exciting! Oh, and I’m going to space!
QUICK FIRE ROUND QUESTIONS
What would be your superpower?
Fly.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In the pub with my mates. Cinema with my wife. Hanging out with the kids. Painting and making stuff, and shopping. I love shopping!
What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?
Numerous things with Paddy McGuinness!
Guilty Pleasure?
Don’t have any. I’m too old. I like whatever I like. I don’t feel guilty.
What are you most proud of achieving?
Wife and kids and two BAFTAs!
If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be and why?
For my dad to be here.
What’s your biggest ick?
Lizards, snakes, and frogs. And seeds!
Top 5 people you would love to have at a dinner party, dead or alive?
Jill, Michael Hutchence, Kylie, Winona Ryder, Jim Carrey.
Snog, Marry, or Hide? Mel B, Emma Bunton, Holly Willoughby?
If I wasn’t married I’d snog all of them. Maybe marry them all too! Wouldn’t hide from any of ‘em. All lovely people.
Lemons or oranges?
Neither.
See you next month!
Caroline Monk – Showbiz Editor.
