Keith Lemon gets ITV2 sketch show
Keith Lemon is to star in his own ITV2 sketch show.
The comedy character - created and performed by Leigh Francis - is best known for enduringly popular panel show Celebrity Juice, which remains ITV2's most successful programme.
Now Francis, in the guise of Lemon, will star in the new sketch series from Talkback, mixing "sketches and character comedy".
ITV say: "From the 'Big Fat Gypsy Kardashians', to a talking urban fox and Harry Styles as you've never seen him before, this show is anarchic, recognisable and above all laugh out loud funny.
"Leigh's central performances will be supported by an ensemble cast comprising of up-and-coming comedy talent plus numerous high-profile celebrity cameos and even his real-life mum."
Keith Lemon said today: "It's a proper good laugh, got a few of me mates onboard so it's 'ard not to ruin takes sometimes laughing. It's a crazy job dressing up as animals and celebrities but it's best job in't world. Although I don't enjoy wearing a bra as much as I thought I would."
The character of Keith Lemon first found fame on Francis's Channel 4 sketch show Bo' Selecta!, before graduating to the ITV2 travelogue-comedy Keith Lemon's Very Brilliant World Tour.
Celebrity Juice, hosted by Lemon, launched in 2008 and will return for a twelfth series in September. Meanwhile, Keith has also found success on the network's flagship station, ITV, in a prime-time reimagining of the classic game-show format Through The Keyhole, which returns for a second series next Saturday (30th August).
He also enjoyed two series of the mock-reality sitcom Lemon La Vida Loca, whilst the character was previously seen on prime-time ITV in Keith Lemon's LemonAid, and on the big screen in Keith Lemon: The Film.
ITV's Commissioning Editor, Comedy Entertainment, Claire Zolkwer says of the new sketch show: "Keith's unique and irrepressible take on the world is absolutely hilarious and the characters that he's created will touch a chord with ITV2 viewers."
Executive Producer and Talkback Managing Director Leon Wilson commented: "Leigh Francis is one of the greatest comic minds of his generation, and we are delighted to build on the success we've had with him on Celebrity Juice and Through The Keyhole to help him make his first new sketch show since Bo' Selecta!."
The series is being written by Leigh Francis with Jamie Deeks and Dan Johnston, who will also direct. It will star Francis alongside his own mother, as well as Tom Davis and Hank Osasuna.
Here is part of the first episode of Keith Lemon's Very Brilliant World Tour: