Is this the end of Keith Lemon? Leigh Francis reveals why he's going on tour as himself after rising to fame as the alter ego

Leigh Francis has revealed why he's decided to do his first comedy tour as himself after rising to fame as his alter ego Keith Lemon. 

The former Bo' Selecta! star admitted that while turning 50 influenced his choice, he also fears that character comedy is 'going out of fashion.'

He is now set to go on tour as his real self using his real name, but adding some of his characters on stage.

The reinvention comes after Craig David and Trisha Goddard slammed  Leigh for his 'racist' depiction of him on his Channel 4 sketch show Bo' Selecta!. 

Leigh carried out impressions of Craig and other celebrities on the show, including Mel B and Trisha Goddard, and there were many instances of blackface and apologised last year. 

Leigh, who is also hosting a radio show on Virgin said: 'When I turned 50 I just thought it's time to do stuff as myself.

'Comedy wise, as well, I don't think character comedy's in fashion at the minute if I'm honest.'

The comedian added: It's like sketch shows become fashionable, and panel shows - genres of comedy become fashionable.

'And at the moment I just don't think that character comedy is fashionable. I might be totally wrong. There'll probably be some amazing comedian come through playing some character and we'll all think it's ace.

'But just because I turned 50 and you go "I don't know how long I've got left on earth never mind in this business and there's stuff I want to do as me.

'Everyone used to say to me "Why don't you do a grown-up version of Art Attack?" And I would say "What's a grown up version of Art Attack - me painting with me willy out?" What does that mean?

'I can do a version of it that's both for children and adults, because most of the things that I make are stuff from the eighties anyway. So I always go "that's adult there, because it's from the eighties".

'I'd like to do some sort of art programme.'

As well as his passion for art, Leigh said he'd like to indulge in his love of film, adding: 'I'm a massive film buff so something where you can show your passion.'

The TV personality continued: 'Because when you're in character you can only show your passion so much for something.'

Lemon also said a factor in his change of direction is cancel culture.

He said: 'Near the end of Keith Lemon - I'm not saying that he's finished because I'm doing him in my tour - he became more like me because the landscape of comedy changed as well.

'You have to be a bit more mindful. You never set out to offend anyone. Everything comes from your heart and it's to put smiles on faces - never to offend anyone.'

He added on the White Wine Question Time podcast: 'It doesn't come from a place of malice, it comes from a place of childish silliness. When I've lampooned anyone it's because I like them.'