Keith Lemon to write three new books

Keith Lemon, the comedy character portrayed by Leigh Francis, is to write three new books.

One of the books will be a prequel to Lemon's first autobiography. Launched in 2012, Being Keith was a best-selling release in which the character 'opened up and shared the juiciest parts of his life from the last five years'. The new edition, titled Little Keith Lemon: Memoirs of Me Childhood, will go further back to focus on the fictional early days of the character.

Lemon's agent explains: "Little Keith delves in to the national treasure's early life, growing up in Leeds, and reveals what made him the man he is today. In this heart-warming and inspirational memoir, Keith lifts the lid on all the experiences that have led him to become an international ladies' man and national treasure from honing his entrepreneurial skills while organising a topless jelly wrestling competition to turning his back on a breakdancing career. This will be a full colour, no-holds-barred memoir."

Francis, remaining in character, will also write two books aimed at children. The Beaver and The Elephant will feature three short stories about the two animals in the title, whilst the second book has yet to be announced.

Publishers Orion explain: "The Beaver And The Elephant is Keith Lemon's first foray into children's books. Yes, you are reading that correctly. The Beaver and the Elephant are an unlikely pairing but the best of friends. The first book contains three short stories and brings Keith's distinctive style to the page and follows the adventures of the bossy Beaver and the bumbling but lovable Elephant."

The book will also feature drawings by the character. Orion confirm: "Endearing and entertaining, Keith's wonderful illustrations are superimposed onto real life photography to create a children's book like no other."

Keith Lemon released a statement saying: "At school when I cun't even spell the word 'because', I never imagined I'd be writing a press quote for me 3rd and 4th book. Well, now I've combined me bad spelling with me drawing skills to create a wonderful children's book about an elephant and a beaver. Hopefully it will teach children a thing or two and meck adults smile. My other book Little Keith Lemon, which is being published at the same time, is a memoir about my younger years. Who'd have thought I would've turned out to be the nice polite well-mannered man I am today. All the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Apart from mine obviously."

Little Keith Lemon and The Beaver and The Elephant will be released in October 2014.

Meanwhile, Keith Lemon continues with his TV work. He is currently presenting a new series of Celebrity Juice and is preparing for a second series of Through The Keyhole.