Leigh Francis refuses to apologise for Bo Selecta and has ‘no regrets’
Leigh Francis refuses to apologise for Bo Selecta and has ‘no regrets’
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Leigh Francis has insisted he ‘doesn’t regret’ his controversial TV show Bo Selecta despite accusations of racism. In 2020, Channel 4 pulled all episodes of the programme from its streaming service after backlash over the portrayal of Black celebrities including Craig David and Trisha Goddard.
![[C4 - PRESENTER OF Bo Selecta: Avid Merrion as Craig David David Tuck/Channel 4 This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of Channel 4 Picture Publicity 020 7306 8685]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IP_1938807-56ba.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
At the time, in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement, Leigh, 51, tearfully apologised for causing ‘any upset’ and said he ‘didn’t realise how offensive it was back then.’. However, in a new interview, Leigh said he ‘didn’t regret anything’ about Bo Selecta but said he would ‘probably’ change some elements of the TV show.
Speaking with Richard and Izzy Hammond on their podcast, Who We Are Now, he said: ‘Let’s get cut to the chase. Some people say, “Do you regret some of the things you did in your past?” No, I don’t. I don’t regret anything. Would I change things? Probably.’.
![[TELEVISION PROGRAMME....Bo Selecta COMEDIAN....Avid Merrion...dressed as a honey bear with glasses. Tx: This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of Channel 4 Picture Publicity 020 7306 8685...London...United Kingdom]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IP_2507710-dbb5.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
While he conceded that some of his characters and impersonations caused offence, Leigh was adamant that he never intended to upset anybody. Leigh explained: ‘Things change. And then you look back at things, then you talk to friends, and then you go, “Oh, I’ll just apologise for what I did.”.
![[Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock (5593529az) Keith Lemon 'This Morning' TV show, London, Britain - 24 Feb 2016 From 'Mark n Michelle' to the 'Kardashian Clan' and even the This Morning family! Keith Lemon has spent the last year playing dress up for the second series of 'The Keith Lemon Sketch show' We take a look at tomorrow night's episode and ask him who else will be making an appearance this series.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_165600293-684f-e1738056363709.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘It’s weird because you don’t set out with malice or anything. And we didn’t think, “Aren’t we edgy? We’re doing something naughty here.” We just did it because it was silly. ‘And I don’t apologise for Bo’ Selecta, but I apologise for upsetting people that were offended by it.’.
