'I'm deeply sorry': Leigh Francis breaks down as he issues an emotional apology for playing black celebrities on his show Bo' Selecta!

Leigh Francis broke down in tears on Thursday night as he issued an apology for playing black people on his noughties sketch show Bo' Selecta!. 

The comedian, 47, who is best known as his character Keith Lemon, said he was 'deeply sorry for any upset' he caused for dressing up as black celebrities. 

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. 

+10

Upset: Leigh Francis broke down in tears on Thursday night as he issued an 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, Leigh tearfully admitted it made him rethink and said he simply 'didn't realise how offensive it was back then'. 

Leigh 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. 

+10

In character: Leigh, who is best known as his character Keith Lemon, said he was 'deeply sorry for any upset' he caused for dressing up as black celebrities (pictured as Craig David) 

+10

Overwhelmed: In light of the Black Lives Matters movement, Leigh tearfully admitted it made him rethink and said he simply 'didn't realise how offensive it was back then'

+10

Noughties show: The series, which aired between 2002 and 2006, featured Francis portraying a series of celebrities; including Michael Jackson (pictured)  and Trisha Goddard

'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.' 

+10

Apology: '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', Leigh said

+10

Characterisation: Leigh portrayed a series of stars as well as portraying the main, non-celebrity character, Avid Merrion

+10

Shock: Leigh was overcome with emotion as he reflected on the show amidst the Black Lives Matter movement

+10

Character: Leigh impersonated musician Craig David on the show (pictured in March)

+10

Impersonation: The comedian also dressed up as Trisha Goddard (pictured above last year) on Bo' Selecta!

Trisha Goddard reveals she is accused of 'talking white'

Loaded: 0%

Progress: 0%

0:00

Previous

Play

Skip

Mute

Current Time0:00

/

Duration Time0:49

Fullscreen

Need Text

Leigh was among the 25 million people who took part in Blackout Tuesday 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 a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

His death has sparked days of demonstrations across the nation over police brutality against African-Americans. 

The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Derek Chauvin, was taken into custody Friday and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. 

Black Lives Matter, which was first founded in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman and was nationally recognized for its involvement in the Ferguson protests in 2014 has been galvanized once more following the death of Floyd.