Leigh Francis ‘films Bo Selecta reboot pilot’ despite ‘blackface’ controversy
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    Keith Lemon star Leigh Francis has offered his strongest hint yet that his controversial show, Bo Selecta could soon be making a dramatic return to TV.

    The comedian revealed that characters Avid Merrion and The Bear have filmed a new pilot episode of the show, which last aired in 2009 after a seven year stint on Channel 4.

    A potential relaunch of the programme may come as a surprise to some, particularly after All 4 removed past episodes two years ago following a backlash from its parodied celebrities Craig David and Trisha Goddard.

    READ MORE: Craig David slams ITV's Keith Lemon for 'bullying' over 'hurtful' Bo Selecta sketch

    Speaking to The Sun, 49-year old Francis said: "Avid Merrion is wandering around somewhere. He's a bit different though, he's grown up. The Bear was in the pilot too. I don't know if he'll stick around, it's all in the hands of the TV Gods."

    In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in 2020, a tearful Francis shared a video in which he apologised for the way in which black characters were portrayed on Bo Selecta.

    He said: "It’s been a weird few days, I’ve sat and thought about things and what I could post to try and 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.

    "Been talking to some people, I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then."

    He added: "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."

    The return of Bo Selecta would be a timely boost for Francis, who saw shows Celebrity Juice and The Fantastical Factory of Curious Craft both axed earlier this year.

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