• Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • LAD Originals

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Bo Selecta! Removed Removed From All 4 After Use Of Blackface

Amelia Ward

Published 
| Last updated 

Bo Selecta! Removed Removed From All 4 After Use Of Blackface

Channel 4 has removed series Bo Selecta! from its streaming service after the show's creator, Leigh Francis, apologised for portraying black characters in the show.

Loading…

Francis, who plays character Keith Lemon, played a number of black celebrities on the Bo' Selecta!, which ran between 2002 and 2009 on Channel 4, including Michael Jackson, Craig David and Trisha Goddard.

The actor apologised in the wake of George Floyd's killing and the subsequent #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Advert

The series has now been removed from All4, as confirmed to The Sun.

A spokesperson told the tabloid: "We support Leigh in his decision to reflect on Bo' Selecta! in light of recent events and we've agreed with him to remove the show from the All 4 archive."

Francis portrayed Craig David in the show. Credit: Channel 4
Francis portrayed Craig David in the show. Credit: Channel 4

Francis shared the emotional video on Friday, saying he's been on a 'learning journey' and plans to continue to educate himself about race.

Advert

In the caption of his emotional Instagram video Francis wrote: "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."

He continued in the video: "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 try and help things.

Advert

"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.

"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."

Advert
Credit: Instagram
Credit: Instagram

His apology was applauded by celebrities, with UKG artist Lisa Maffia replying: "Wow you're just awesome for that alone Lee. That must have been tough for you bcos you was not aware that it was offensive at all. We love you Mr Lemon and always will."

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4/Leigh Francis

Topics: Keith Lemon, Channel 4

Amelia Ward
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

News

Andrew Tate ‘in hiding’ after being called out by The Wealdstone Raider

13 hours ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Nella Rose's family speak out following controversial confrontation with Fred Sirieix

15 hours ago