Leigh Francis leaves television to focus on painting and graphic design

British comedian Leigh Francis has announced he is stepping back from television to focus on visual art and graphic design. Francis, who is in his early 50s, is best known for playing the character Keith Lemon and hosting the panel show Celebrity Juice, which finished in 2022.

He has not been developing new TV projects for some time and is currently turning down offers from broadcasters. "I don't know when I'll be on TV again," he said recently.

Before his comedy career began in 1995, Francis worked in graphic design. He is now returning to creative work of that kind. His first art exhibition will open on 4 September at a gallery in Oldham, Greater Manchester, and will display around 20 paintings, including portraits of Elvis, Kylie Minogue, and Boy George.