'One of the finest comic minds of his generation'

Keith Lemon is to star in his own sketch show on ITV2.

Characters in the series will include the 'Big Fat Gypsy Kardashians', to a talking urban fox and a twisted version of Harry Styles.

The Celebrity Juice star – aka Leigh Francis – will be joined an ensemble cast of up-and-coming comedy talent plus celebrity cameos. Francis’s mum is also set to make an appearance.

In character as Lemon, Francis said: ‘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.’

Executive producer Leon Wilson, managing director of programme-makers Talkback, said: ‘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!’

Francis will co-write the show with Jamie Deeks and Dan Johnston, who will also direct with Andrew Chaplin.

Published: 21 Aug 2014