Leigh Francis

Leigh Francis (born May 30, 1973) is a comedian from Leeds, England. He married Jill Carter on Halloween, 2003.

Related Topics:
May 30 - 1973 - Comedian - Leeds, England - Halloween

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Francis was "discovered" by television presenter Davina McCall, who got him regular appearances on MTV UK. This kick-started his television career.

Related Topics:
Davina McCall - MTV

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In postmodern fashion, Leigh Francis conducts every interview and arrives at every celebrity function in his character guise of Avid Merrion. Francis has taken Andy Kaufman's Tony Clifton creation and carried it to an extreme so that the identity of the performer is completely lost beneath that of the character while in the limelight. Many have trouble understanding that Avid Merrion is a fictional creation and Francis' name means very little in popular discourse.

Related Topics:
Andy Kaufman - Tony Clifton

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Francis also plays many other celebrities, using comical masks and inappropriate accents, in sketches in his series Bo' Selecta!. His focus changed to character of "The Bear" (a rude teddy bear based on Ronnie Corbett), rather than Avid Merrion, as part of the new series A Bear's Tail. This follows the first use of Francis' real name at the head of the titles for the 2004 Christmas special.

Related Topics:
Bo' Selecta - Teddy bear - Ronnie Corbett

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