Leigh Francis was seen for the first time on Tuesday after issuing an emotional apology for playing black people on his noughties sketch show Bo’ Selecta!.
The Keith Lemon star, 47, stepped out for a stroll near his home in north London just days after addressing his ‘offensive’ portrayal of celebrities using blackface.
The series, which aired between 2002 and 2006, featured Francis portraying a series of celebrities; including Michael Jackson, Craig David and Trisha Goddard by wearing face masks to impersonate them.
Spotted: Leigh Francis was seen for the first time on Tuesday after issuing an emotional apology for playing black people on his noughties sketch show Bo’ Selecta!
In light of awareness being raised in regards to the Black Lives Matters movement, Francis has since tearfully admitted he ‘didn’t realise how offensive it was back then’.
The Celebrity Juice star appeared stony-faced during his stroll as he stepped out in chequered trousers and a denim jacket.
Francis tried to keep a low profile in a leopard print bucket hat and black sunglasses.
The comedian’s appearance comes after he issued an emotional apology for playing black people on his noughties sketch show Bo’ Selecta last week.
Offensive: The Keith Lemon star, 47, stepped out for a stroll near his home in north London just days after addressing his ‘offensive’ portrayal of celebrities using blackface
Noughties show: The series, which aired between 2002 and 2006, featured Francis portraying a series of celebrities; including Michael Jackson (pictured) and Trisha Goddard
Francis said he was ‘deeply sorry for any upset’ he caused for using blackface to dress up as celebrities.
In light of awareness being raised in regards to the Black Lives Matters movement, Francis tearfully admitted it made him rethink.
He captioned the post: ‘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.’
In the video, the Celebrity Juice host said: ‘My name’s Leigh Francis. I play a character called Keith Lemon on television.
Reflection: In light of awareness being raised in regards to the Black Lives Matters movement, Francis has since tearfully admitted he ‘didn’t realise how offensive it was back then’
Stony-faced: The Celebrity Juice star appeared stony-faced during his stroll as he stepped out in chequered trousers and a denim jacket
‘It’s been a weird few days, I’ve sat and thought about things and what I could post to 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.
‘I’ve 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.’
Emotional: The comedian’s appearance comes after he issued an emotional apology for playing black people on his noughties sketch show Bo’ Selecta last week
Francis captioned the post: ‘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.’
Francis later revealed that it had been a ‘rubbish’ day, he posted a pictured of a sewing machine with the caption: ‘Since lockdown, I’ve become a dressmaker.
‘Haven’t actually, but I have learnt to sew a bit. Made four T-shirts. Who needs the shops! Hope you’ve had a nice day! Mine’s been incredibly rubbish. Goodnight x.’
Trisha Goddard has since revealed that she has accepted a tearful apology from Francis following his racist depiction of her on his show Bo’ Selecta!
The TV icon, 62, revealed she has received a personal message from the Celebrity Juice star after the sketch show left her feeling ‘hurt, distasted and disgusted’.
He said: ‘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. I’ve been talking to some people. I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then.’
Francis was among the 25million people who took part in Blackout Tuesday earlier this month on social media for the Black Lives Matter movement, following the senseless death of George Floyd.
George, 46, an African-American man, died on May 25 after white police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
His death has sparked days of demonstrations across the world over police brutality against African-Americans.
Apology: Trisha Goddard has since revealed that she has accepted a tearful apology from Francis following his racist depiction of her on his show Bo’ Selecta! (pictured)
Chauvin has now been charged with 2nd-degree murder which is more severe than the 3rd-degree murder, which he was initially charged with.
He faces three charges; 2nd-degree murder, 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter. The most severe charges carry a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment.
Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao, the three other officers also present, were charged on Wednesday with aiding and abetting the murder of Floyd. They have also been charged with second degree aiding and abetting manslaughter.
Shocking: The TV icon, 62, revealed she has received a personal message from the Celebrity Juice star after the sketch show left her feeling ‘hurt’ (pictured last month)