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.

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.

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

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.

"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."

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."