Leigh Francis Interview

We had a chat with Bo’selecta legend and the man behind Keith Lemon – Leigh Francis.

Hello Leigh, how are you?
I’m very good thanks. Just messing about with my camcorder, coming up with new characters for a new show I’m writing.

Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant World Tour was amazing! Did you get a good response from the fans?
Yeah I got a great response, I think the show may have attracted some new fans. There isn’t much rudeness to Keith so it was quite nice that people were saying to me that they were watching it with their parents.
Keith’s a bit cheeky but I don’t really think he’s rude. I think a lot of people know somebody like Keith. Funny thing is a lot more girls have watched this show than Bo’selecta. Which is good!

Do you approach stars like Holly Valance about coming on the show or do they come to you?
Everyone on the show was either a friend or somebody I’ve done things with before. We were spending a lot of time with these people so I just wanted nice people that were gonna be up for a laugh.

Were there any celebrities you wanted to work with that wouldn’t come on the show?
Not really, like I said I just got people I knew. Yeah it would’ve been amazing to go to Mexico with Michael Jackson but that’s never gonna happen. I don’t think Craig David is ever gonna play with us again either.

Craig David said you ruined his career. We think he might have done this on his own… Thoughts?
He wrote his songs. I had nothing to do with his music. He calls me a one trick pony but it must be a good trick if he thinks it ruined his career. I can’t believe he’s still harping on about it. I haven’t done Bo’selecta for 2 years. There were over a hundred masks, didn’t ruin anybody else’s career.

Who looks after Kes while you’re playing Keith?
Kes is just sat in my office.

Who did you enjoy working with most?
Can’t say, again most of them I know. Good friends with Dermot I thought he was a good sport. Mel B is always value for money, her laugh is just so infectious, which is good when you want viewers to laugh. Mel C was lovely, as were both Holly’s, Tamsin, Samia, everyone! They were all great!

What are your plans for the future? When will Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant World Tour be released on DVD?
Got two shows in development at the mo. One has Keith in it and that should be on the telly October time to coincide with the Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant World Tour DVD. The other show will have all new characters in it.

Any chance of another series of Bo Selecta?
If C4 asked me to do one I might. But there’s no plans at the mo, but never say never!

Now you’re living in London what do you miss most about Leeds?
My friends, although I’ve got great friends down here now. I still go up to see my mates and they come down a lot.

Finally, can we have Fabio’s number?
What his favourite number? Probably 69.