Leigh Francis joins Routes from LNER

Best known for creating beloved comedy characters including Keith Lemon and Avid Merrion, Leigh Francis opened up about his transformation from a young man whose furthest trip was to Wales, to a world traveller who has filmed across continents. The podcast explores how place and journey have shaped one of Britain's most recognisable entertainers.

Francis shared memories of family holidays to Bridlington and how his world expanded dramatically after meeting his wife Jill. 'I never went abroad when I was a child until I met Jill,' Francis revealed. 'I would've been 19 or 20 when I first went abroad.'

The conversation touched on his globe-trotting adventures for 'Keith Lemon's Very Brilliant World Tour,' where he visited Mexico, Australia, America, Japan, Iceland, and Egypt on what the team called a 'shark-shaped flight plan.' Recalling an emotional moment on a Montana cattle ranch, he described breaking down in tears when his soundman asked if he'd rather be 'running about in London wearing tights or doing this.'

Leigh spoke openly about how nostalgia drives much of his emotional connection to places. 'Every time I'm moved, it's probably a childhood thing,' he explained. From visiting the ‘Ghostbusters’ fire station in New York, to breaking down outside Doc Brown's house in Los Angeles, Francis described how returning to the worlds of his youth continues to move him.

The episode also reveals Francis's unique family traditions, including his Halloween wedding to Jill (followed by a Disney World honeymoon) and his collection of over 22 Spider-Man costumes.

Francis discussed his new podcast 'Unlikely Friends' with wife Jill Francis, Emma Bunton, and Jade Jones,  named because the press labeled their 20-year friendship 'unlikely.' He also shared insights into his creative process, from making his own denim Boba Fett costume for Comic-Con to his ongoing love of collecting toys and creating art.

The Leigh Francis episode is now available on all major podcast platforms, to watch on YouTube and listen onboard LNER trains.. A special 'Quiet Coach' edition will be released next week.

Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode.