Award-Winning Comedian, Television Presenter, Actor & Creator of Keith Lemon, Celebrity Juice & Bo’selecta

Leigh Francis is an English comedian, television presenter, actor, writer and entertainer, best known as the creator and performer behind the iconic character Keith Lemon. A fixture of British popular culture for more than two decades, Leigh has built a remarkable career through his distinctive brand of character comedy, improvisation and entertainment. Widely recognised as one of the UK’s most successful comedy creators, he rose to prominence with the cult Channel 4 series ‘Bo’ Selecta!’, before becoming a household name as the host of the hit ITV comedy panel show ‘Celebrity Juice’, which ran for an impressive 26 series. Combining sharp wit, quick thinking and an unrivalled ability to connect with audiences, Leigh has established himself as one of Britain’s most recognisable and enduring television personalities.

Born in Beeston, Leeds, on 30 April 1973, Leigh was raised on a council estate in Old Farnley, West Yorkshire. Following his education at Farnley Park High School, he attended Jacob Kramer College, where he studied graphic design. His creative background would later prove instrumental in shaping the eccentric characters and visual comedy that became his trademark. Before breaking into television, Leigh performed stand-up comedy in character, developing the personas that would eventually bring him national recognition. His talent was spotted by television presenter Davina McCall, who helped secure his first television role on ‘Dom and Kirk’s Nite O’ Plenty’ in 1996. Further appearances on programmes including ‘Popworld’ and ‘Whatever I Want’ allowed him to refine his comic style and establish a growing reputation within the industry.

Leigh’s major breakthrough came in 2002 when Channel 4 commissioned ‘Bo’ Selecta!’, a sketch comedy series that became one of the defining comedy programmes of the decade. The show’s success earned him nominations for prestigious awards, including a BAFTA and a British Comedy Award, while also winning multiple Loaded Lafta Awards. Building on that momentum, he transformed one of the programme’s most popular characters into the centrepiece of ‘Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant World Tour’, before creating and hosting ‘Celebrity Juice’, which became one of ITV’s longest-running and most successful entertainment formats. Alongside these achievements, Leigh fronted ‘Through the Keyhole’, starred in ‘Lemon La Vida Loca’, ‘The Keith Lemon Sketch Show’, ‘The Keith & Paddy Picture Show’, and ‘Shopping with Keith Lemon’, cementing his status as one of British television’s leading comedy hosts and entertainers.

Away from his flagship programmes, Leigh has continued to demonstrate his versatility across television, film and live entertainment. He starred in ‘Keith Lemon: The Film’, made a cameo appearance in Elton John’s biopic ‘Rocketman’, and has regularly appeared on some of Britain’s most popular entertainment shows. In 2024, he embarked on his live show ‘My First Time’, won Star Baker on ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer’, and made a special guest appearance in the West End production of ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’. Whether hosting, performing, writing or creating original characters, Leigh remains one of the UK’s most distinctive comedy talents, admired for his creativity, longevity and ability to keep audiences laughing across multiple generations.

Why Hire Leigh Francis?

Leigh Francis brings over three decades of experience at the highest levels of British entertainment. An engaging, humorous and highly relatable speaker, he shares behind-the-scenes stories from television, comedy and celebrity culture while exploring creativity, reinvention and personal resilience. Having created some of the UK’s most successful comedy formats and characters, Leigh delivers entertaining and insightful talks that resonate with corporate audiences, media professionals and creative industries alike. His natural charisma, storytelling ability and extensive broadcasting experience ensure memorable, high-impact appearances.