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Leigh Francis films pilot with Bo Selecta characters

Leigh Francis has filmed a pilot for a new show featuring some of his Bo Selecta characters credit:Bang Showbiz
Leigh Francis has filmed a pilot for a new show featuring some of his Bo Selecta characters credit:Bang Showbiz

Leigh Francis has filmed a pilot for a new show featuring some of his 'Bo' Selecta!' characters.

The 49-year-old comedian previously issued an apology for portraying black celebrities in the Channel 4 sketch show - which aired from 2002 to 2009 - but now Leigh has told how characters Avid Merrion and The Bear could be coming back to the small screen.

He told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "Avid Merrion is wandering around somewhere.

"He’s a bit different though, he’s grown up. The Bear was in the pilot too. I don’t know if he’ll stick around, it’s all in the hands of the TV Gods."

In 2020, Leigh was in tears as he issued an apology about 'Bo' Selecta!'.

The 49-year-old comedian - who is best known for starring as character Keith Lemon in numerous shows - took to Instagram to share a video of himself saying sorry for his portrayals of celebrities such as Craig David and Michael Jackson on the 2002 programme.

He said in the clip: "My name's Leigh Francis I play a character called Keith Lemon on television.

"It's been a weird few days, I've sat and thought about things and what I could post to help things.

"Back in 2002, I did a show called 'Bo' Selecta'. I portrayed many black people. Back then I didn't think anything about it, people didn't say anything, I'm not going to blame other people.

"I've been talking to some people, I didn't realise how offensive it was back then.

"I just want to apologise, I just want to say sorry for any upset I caused, whether I was Michael Jackson, Craig David, Trisha Goddard, all people I'm a big fan of. I guess we're all on a learning journey."

The 'Celebrity Juice' presenter admitted he is "deeply sorry" for any offence he caused on the series.

He captioned the video: "Following recent events, I've done a lot of talking and learning and I would like to put this out there. I want to apologise to anyone that was offended by Bo'selecta. I'm on a constant journey of knowledge and just wanted to say I'm deeply sorry. #blacklivesmatter (sic)"

Leigh's comments came after Black Lives Matter protests took place around many cities all over the world following the death of George Floyd, who died in the US after a police officer knelt on his neck when restraining him.