ITV confirms sketch series has been recommissioned

ITV 2 has confirmed that it has renewed The Keith Lemon Sketch Show for a second series.

Leigh Francis, the man behind the character, had already let the cat out of the bag at an awards ceremony back in March.

However the broadcaster has now confirmed the news – although makers Talkback could not reveal the number of episodes or when they would go out.

The first series, which debuted in February, was ITV2's highest-rated launch in two years with a million viewers, beating BBC Two, Channel 4 and Channel 5 in its timeslot – while a Kim Kardashian sketch went viral, attracting 7.7 million views. It was also last week shortlisted for best scripted programme at the Broadcast Digital Awards

The Big Fat Gypsy Kardashians will return for the second series as well as David Dickinson, Holly Willoughby and the Urban Fox. ITV2 also promise new characters and a new batch of guest cameos. Celebrities who appeared in series one included Paddy McGuinness, Carrie Fisher, Jonathan Ross and Phillip Schofield.

Lemon said: 'So chuffed to be doing a second series of me sketch show. It's a nice fing to say you've got a sore throat from laughing at work.

'Hope it's not too warm whilst we're filming, that fox suit can get pretty hot! Feels like ya balls are in a cuppa tea!'

Leon Wilson, managing director of Talkback and executive producer of the show, added: 'The appetite for Keith's sketch show has been huge so we're really excited to see it return to ITV2 for another series.'  

Published: 18 May 2015