Viewers have been stunned after Leigh Francis appeared on a BBC One show as himself rather than Keith Lemon. This was the first time the presenter was on the show as himself rather than his character, and many fans were surprised to see a subdued figure compared to his loud alter ego.
Leigh was introduced as himself on the live show, and said: "Isn't that weird? When I hear my name it's weird."
He appeared on the programme alongside co-hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas to announce a new UK tour. The TV presenter also revealed his age during the show reports The Daily Mirror.
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Stating: "Someone online said I'd put so much timber on. Isn't that kind? That's because I'm old. I'm 50.
"I'm only going to get more timber I'm sure. I'm starting to look like Richard Attenborough. Welcome to Jurassic Park!
"Do you know what the PR person said? 'Don't wear a hat so they can distinguish that you're not Keith Lemon you're Leigh Francis.'
"Now my face looks even fatter. Look at the size of my forehead, it's like a knee. I've got three knees - I just caught it on that monitor."
Many viewers were left stunned, as they didn't realise that Keith Lemon was just a character. One said: "I prefer Leigh Francis as himself."
Another wrote: "I had no idea there was a real Keith Lemon." The comedian hit fame with his Big Brother obsessed character Avid Merrion, who also appeared in the Bo Selecta series.
When that show ended, Leigh found further success with his new alter ego Keith Lemon. As this character he fronted Celebrity Juice as Keith, which was hugely popular throughout its 14 year run.
The surprise announcement came earlier last year, when the comedy character shared a statement to Twitter, writing: “After 14 years, 26 series, 300 eps Celeb Juice is concluding later this year with two farewell specials. Thank you so so much to everyone who watched, to the team captains, guests, crew and itv2. It was the longest most fun party! I had a wonderful time. Big love x”
Yet Leigh - as Keith Lemon - explained ITV ‘probably’ made the decision to cancel the show because he had ‘got too old’. He explained: “I don’t know who the guests are anymore. I say, ‘who is that?’
"They’re from TikTok. I don’t know who they are. I always forget the names.”
Celebrity Juice first hit our screens in 2008 with Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby appearing as team captains. The show originally was centred around the week's tabloid news, before it eventually evolved to include more games and challenges.
