Yahoo News Keith Lemon star Leigh Francis responds to troll over weight gain on The One Show
The comedian said he had not worn a hat to try and distinguish between himself and his comedy alter-ego Keith Lemon.
Leigh Francis has laughed off criticism of his weight gains saying: "I'm old."
The Celebrity Juice star appeared on The One Show as himself, not his comedy alter-ego Keith Lemon to discuss his new live tour, and admitted it felt different not being in character.
Francis said: "Isn't that weird? When I hear my name it's weird."
Read more: Leigh Francis' My First Time tour: Where is he performing and how to get tickets
He went on: "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."
The Bo' Selecta! star has just announced he will be embarking on his first ever live tour in March 2024.
Francis revealed he named his comedy alter ego Keith Lemon after a childhood friend — who now has to struggle with living under that name — with many believing he is joking when he uses the title.
The real Keith Lemon said via video message: "I've heard Leigh that you are going on tour next year. This is brilliant news, I can't wait. At last I'll be able to use my name and not get no hassle when I go into a restaurant anymore."
Francis revealed: "He carries a picture of me in his wallet, how weird is that?! He goes 'Look I've known him since I were a kid!"
The comedian may have felt strange appearing as himself on the show, but some viewers were pleasantly surprised.
This is what happens when @LeighFrancis meets the real Keith Lemon on #TheOneShow 😂
Watch here 👉 https://t.co/ODKKz7YlDc pic.twitter.com/fCUeQdLSNf— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) June 20, 2023
One tweeted: "It’s nice to see Leigh Francis as himself #TheOneShow"
And another said: "I prefer Leigh Francis as himself. #TheOneShow"
Francis rose to fame with his late night alternative sketch show Bo' Selecta on Channel 4 in 2002. It ran over fives series until 2009 including a US spin-off.
Read more: Keith Lemon says becoming a parent has made him less crude
He gained more mainstream success as Keith Lemon, hosting late night gameshow Celebrity Juice on ITV.
The show came to an end last year after 26 series.
Watch: John Barnes defends comedian Leigh Francis
