Leigh, Myself and I: The Autobiography of Me

by Leigh Francis

'From humble beginnings to the top of the entertainment tree and everything in between! A beautiful book about a beautiful man' Paddy McGuinness

'Leigh is an artistic genius. This is a unique book' Davina McCall

'Funny, honest and utterly creative. This book is a lot like the man himself!' Fearne Cotton

This is the story of a little boy called Leigh Francis who became a naughty bear. And then a man called Keith Lemon, and also Avid Merrion and whoever else you may or may not know me as (but not Mick Hucknall). All this time behind the neckbrace, bandage or whatever costume I’ve worn, I was still just that little boy called Leigh Francis.

From the moment I stepped out in front of the camera, I’ve always been in character. Now the time has come to lift the mask (literally) and reveal myself (not literally): from growing up in Leeds obsessed with TV, films, toys, clothes and dressing up as my favourite superhero,* to my wild adventures,** my first relationships*** and moving to London to pursue my dream of being silly and having a laugh. Oh, and there’s a bit about making it in the wonderful world of telly – the highs, the lows and everything in between.

So here it is, my memoir! Expect a chuckle, a thoughtful pause and maybe even a tear or two. I can’t lie, I’m a little bit nervous about it as this isn’t like all the made-up stuff I’ve done in character – this is my story. A true story about Leigh.

* Spider-Man

** in the Cubs and Scouts

*** with breakdancing and skateboarding

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Audiobook, Memoir

Audible Audio

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Vicki Duncan]

I feel a bit conflicted about this one, I know this is a memoir and he can write about what he wants but I was surprised Leigh didn’t take any time to discuss how his earlier stuff hasn’t say, aged particularly well.

You’d think from reading this him and Craig David were best mates when we all know the negative impact Bo had on Craig’s wellbeing at the time. And I’m sure Fearne wouldn’t stand for the “banter” she was subjected to by him on Juice now. While she might be fine he could have acknowledged looking back she had to have an incredibly thick skin and as he was the presenter, she just had to suck it up.

I don’t know, maybe I’m being a bit harsh but I thought a bit of self reflection here would have been nice rather than being left with the feeling like the elephant in the room was being ignored.

I think we all know Leigh meant no harm and it all came from a place of silliness so I don’t think anyone has judged him for it. It just felt very odd not to reflect on it at all.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean this in a good way.but this is like reading the diary of an 8 year old. But somehow that 8 year old is 50 with a career, a wife and kids.

My dad, passed away 10 years ago. For some unknown reason dad had ended up having some banter with him when he visited our town centre. 2 years before he passed away.

Dad had no idea who he was (dad was about 77 at the time) but clearly loved every second of it. And it sounded like Leigh had been super nice to him. Always really loved him for that.

[aine · Rating 4 out of 5]

guess who finished this in one sitting!

an amazing read, quite literally a trip down memory lane with so many incredible anecdotes and stories from this man’s life, i loved this.
i’ve read (i think) every one of leigh’s books now and he’s always the best entertainer. my favourite person forever and ever amen
healing my inner child by telling her that keith lemon hasn’t been killed off, he’s just running his bar abroad :’)

[Kirsty Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this as a audiobook and really enjoyed about hearing about Leigh’s route into comedy and his love for art and wanting to be a artist first , just proves we really do have life mapped out for us as people and I think it surprised me that comedy wasn’t his first ambition. As I’ve grown up around his comedy , I did enjoy the insight and stories behind his shows . Good read or listen in my case

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh seems like a really decent guy. There’s not a bad word about anyone in this book. He gets on with everyone and is even sorry to split with his agent. But my favourite bits are the reminiscing about his childhood in 70’s and 80’s. Star Wars figures, MJ jackets, smoking in the cinemas etc. A sweet biography from a creative guy. Easily read. Denise

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think the only way to review this book would be in a Bo’Selecta style and its Proper Bo!

From Avid Merrion to Keith Lemon to Leigh Francis and everything in between.

Leigh opens up his heart and world to us his readers and fans and what a story he has to tell.

Anyone who is a fan of Leigh’s alter egos must definitely give this a read/listen!

I LOVED IT!

[Eva J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opted for the audio book thinking it would add to the funny. I was wrong. I found the whole thing pretty boring and a struggle to get through. Clunky word repetitions left me feeling as though the book could have done with at least one more edit. I wonder whether it would’ve been different if I’d read it rather than listened. All in all, disappointing.

[Sue Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant read. As someone from Leeds I loved reading about his early times in Leeds. Anyone from Leeds will appreciate the market story. Well worth a read

[Beccahindmarsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up to 3.5

[Katie Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!

Love the realness of Leigh, its a must read and mega funny too!!! Would highly recommend to anyone who wants a giggle and to know the real legend behind it all.......

[Ruth Mccorry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in what Leigh Francis was like. I saw his show and now read the book. Keith Lemon was my wrong crush.

[Andrew sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Helen King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, not as good as I thought it would be.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

[M E Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started well, interesting and quite funny. Fun to hear how his characters cane about. Got really boring from about Bo Selecta time onwards though. Listened to audio version.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and easy to read. It wasn't very juicy didn't give much behind the scenes gossip or anything and I thought he would talk a bit about the backlash he received over Craig David etc but still it was good. Leigh seems like a really nice guy and this book is fun and wholesome.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book Leigh comes across as such a lovely guy and it was great hearing about his family, passions and rise to fame! His tv personality/character Keith Lemon has been the cause of many nights of laughter for me, and I loved how this book was a mixture of humour and seriousness! It easy to see why Leigh is so successful in what he does, he is passionate and doesn’t seem to have a bad word to say about anyone! I really recommend this one!

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

i grew up watching Leigh on Celebrity Juice & other projects he did and i really enjoyed the story of his life from growing up to how he came up with the idea for all of his characters

[Jade_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Absolutely loved this audiobook! Leigh Francis' narration added extra comedy and warmth to his own story, making it feel incredibly more personal. I was hooked from the start, laughing out loud and moved by his honesty and storytelling. I especially loved the way he spoke about his wife all the way through the book, I loved hearing about the way they met and the life they have developed together. Overall, a hilarious and heartfelt listen.