One of Britain's most recognisable television personalities shares a memoir of his life for the first time ever ... as himself. He's out of character, very loud and extremely funny!

'You're doing a book!!!???' my friend said.

'Yes,' I replied.

'What, is someone writing it for you?'

'No. I'm writing it. It's my book. It's about me!' I said.

'But what about the spelling and the whole dyslexia thing?' she said. 'I'm sure the people that publish the book or my agent will check all of that,' I said. So from the get-go I apologise if there are any typos or grammatical mistakes. There shouldn't be, as I'm sure the book-making fairy has checked through it all. Big cheers to the book-making fairy! Hurraaahhh!

I've actually written books before. Seven, if I'm blowing my own trumpet. But never about me, Leigh Francis. Not many people know the real me. They know Keith Lemon, Avid Merrion, The Bear, but this book is all about who I am, out of character, totally honest, just being me. There's going to be some sad bits, but hopefully there'll be more happy bits that'll put a smile on your face a few times. It's everything I can remember up to the present day.

When I was at school they called me Francis, Franny, Eyes (my middle name is Izaak - hence eyes, I guess). Oh, I've also been called Ginger Bollox many times too, Ginger Bastard, Fat Ginger Bastard, all the ginger stuff. But I ain't moaning about that. I am ginger! Ginger and proud.

Anyway, let's start with my first memory, which was being circumcised when I was three. If we're going to be starting at all.

First published: Thursday 12th September 2024

As a presenter, actor, writer and comedian, Leigh Francis has been a hugely popular face on our screens for over 20 years now. And yet Leigh has spent most of his career in character - with the Bear, Avid Merrion or Keith Lemon taking centre stage. Until now.

For the first time, Leigh is putting pen to paper and writing his autobiography. From growing up in Leeds, turning up to school dressed as Spiderman, meeting the love of his life, finding his calling and becoming who he is today, this is the full, untold story of how Leigh became Leigh. He's out of character, very loud and extremely funny.