Celebrity Juice's Leigh Francis 'done' with TV career as he rejects lucrative offers

A Celebrity Juice star has revealed that they've been turning down TV offers. Leigh Francis, the 52-year-old star best known for his outrageous alter egoKeith Lemon on the ITV2 panel show, has hinted that he might be stepping away from TV comedy.

During an Instagram Live session, he revealed to fans: "I don't know when I'll be on TV again. I turned something down this morning. I haven't pitched any ideas for TV shows in ages. If I do and someone likes it, then I'll be back, but if I don't, I won't."

The comedian also expressed frustration at people who refer to him as Keith rather than his real name, Leigh, stating: "It's not my name, I keep saying it... my name is Leigh. You might as well call me Tony."

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While he dismissed the idea of reviving his show Through The Keyhole, stating it "will never happen", he seemed more open to a sketch show, despite potential backlash.

He explained: "It's gone mad, you can't make anything without it upsetting people. If you think you're gonna be offended you shouldn't watch but I can't be bothered to get into this deep conversation."

Last year, Leigh ruled out a return of Bo Selecta! the sketch show where he played celebrity-obsessed Avid Merrion from 2002 until 2009. In another Instagram Live session, he stated: "It'll never happen. I guess that's because of society, but it will 100% never happen. It's a shame."

Leigh previously claimed that Celebrity Juice was cancelled because "nothing is acceptable any more". Speaking to The Sun, he said: "Just as fashion and flared trousers have come back round however many times, comedy tastes change.

"Now, nothing is acceptable any more - we had 'the rules were the rules' in past times, and they're ­different now, so of course there are things back then that you wouldn't do any more.

"You don't set out to offend anyone, you just set out to make people laugh, but for me, now when I come up with an idea, it has to be a straight one, with just a bit of silliness." Leigh added that a lot of comedians have turned their backs on comedy and are now presenting "straight shows", which may not be as amusing as a sketch programme anymore.

But while Keith was known for his flamboyant ways and crude jokes, he also revealed that the name came from a childhood friend. The comic said that he told the real Keith Lemon he would give him a shout-out on TV, but instead created the character.

Earlier this year, though, fans pleaded for the return of Celebrity Juice after Leigh shared a string of throwback snaps alongside former stars Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton. The trio pulled out their best model poses as they leaned on a concrete wall by a 'Celebrity Juice' neon sign.

"Way back when Wednesday! Peak juice. Fave press shot. Old times, ace times. @celebjuiceofficial," Leigh captioned the post, which attracted thousands of likes.. Fans took the opportunity to ask the star to bring back the hit TV programme, which aired on ITV2 until its end in 2022.

One eager user said: "Need to bring it back," while another posted: "Oh I miss you three, please, please, please bring this back." One fan commented: "Loved it. Bring it back with the O.G crew," as another big fan demanded: "We need a reunion special! Bring back Holly and Fearne."

Another nostalgic fan said: "Back when TV comedy was at its naughty peak! Best telly show on telly!!! loved this time!!"

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