Who is Leigh Francis? The man behind Keith Lemon and Bo' Selecta character

Keith Lemon is one of the most iconic comedy characters in British TV history

While Keith Lemon is a household favourite, viewers might be taken aback to discover that the quick-witted, curly-haired host is merely one of several personas crafted by comedic talent Leigh Francis. So, who's the mastermind behind Keith Lemon?

Here's everything you need to know....

What is Keith Lemon's real name?

Behind the character lies Leigh Francis, a trained graphic designer who broke into entertainment after Davina McCall spotted him performing stand-up comedy in character. Leigh first found prominence with Bo' Selecta!, a sketch programme where he portrayed various celebrities wearing masks.

Discussing his television career with On Magazine, the father-of-two explained: "When I was making that stuff I had no intentions of being on TV. I was a graphic designer, so that's what I thought I would become one day. I used to make silly videos and models."

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Leigh seldom gives interviews as himself, typically preferring to adopt one of his character personas. In an uncommon interview, he addressed why he favours being questioned as a character, telling On: "People have said to me I should do more interviews as myself but I feel a bit egotistical sat talking about myself.

"I'm not Leigh Francis the stand-up comedian. I sell my ideas – so when I'm promoting my ideas I tend to do it in character. I don't really harp on about my personal life. Not that I'm especially private or anything it's just I don't think people are interested really."

Where does Keith Lemon hail from?

Keith (or rather Leigh, as we ought to say) is a Leeds lad through and through. Born in Beeston and raised in Old Farnley, he's since settled in North London with his wife, Jill Carter.

His television career and alter egos.

Leigh boasts an extensive body of work, having portrayed Keith Lemon in programmes such as Keith Lemon: Coming in America, The Keith and Paddy Picture Show, and Lemon la Vida Loca. While Keith remains his best-known creation, Leigh made his mark in Bo!

Selecta, where his standout performances included playing Avid Merrion and delivering spot-on impressions of Craig David, Michael Jackson, and the Osbournes.

Has he ever stepped out of character?

On one rare occasion, Leigh broke with convention by attending the Tric Awards as himself at Jill's request. In conversation with The Sun, he revealed: "I promised her Keith wouldn't be there so we could just have a bit of time on our own being normal. You can tell it's me instead of Keith because I've got my hair tied back into a tiny bun... I don't want anyone to know who I really am - I prefer being Keith. Everyone goes a bit weird when it's just me."

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Even Leigh's mates sometimes struggle to distinguish between his various personas. Fearne Cotton, a former Celebrity Juice panellist, has spoken candidly about their friendship. During an appearance on Sunday Brunch, she remarked: "The margins are now blurring from real Leigh Francis to Keith Lemon, and I am like, 'Are you in character? Or are you just being you, but being a bit weird?'".

"He is the loveliest guy. He's a genius, he just won a BAFTA. He is a genius, a complete genius."

Speaking about the differences between Leigh and Keith, she added: "There is a difference when you are sat with Leigh. He's a dad, he's got kids and then when he is Keith when he can get away with anything, he is just pushing the boundaries and ridiculous."

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