Show Notes
From Leeds beginnings and Bridlington beach trips to Halloween weddings and first overseas adventures, Leigh Francis’s life off-screen is as colourful as the characters he’s created. In this episode of Routes, Leigh joins Jenni to talk about growing up in Yorkshire, the chaotic comedy worlds of Celebrity Juice and Bo’ Selecta, and how his childhood shaped his sense of humour. He reflects on early travel experiences, static caravan holidays, and his first drunken friend holiday abroad, which set the tone for a lifetime of hilarious misadventures. Leigh shares stories that are equal parts funny and heartfelt, from carrying a life-size Howard the Duck on the train to visiting his favourite locations from Back to the Future, and the time he met Pharrell while wearing the same hat. He talks about family road trips through Whitby, the joy of Comic‑Con cosplay, and the creative process behind iconic characters like Keith Lemon. Along the way, there’s laughter, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the experiences that fuel his comedy. He also opens up about life on the road, being recognised (or not!) around the world, and the special journeys he’s shared with his wife and kids. Whether it’s memories of seaside arcades, discovering the magic of Disney on honeymoon, or everyday family life, this episode is a silly, personal, and unfiltered look at the laughs, travel tales, and roots that have made Leigh who he is.
More from Routes
Jim Chapman joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, tracks and hacks that get him through a travel day.
From a childhood that never took him beyond the Isle of Man to a life spent chasing adventure across the globe, Jim Chapman has made a point of saying yes to every opportunity. In this episode of Routes from LNER, one of the original YouTubers joins Jenni on the train to Aberdeen to talk about travelling with his young family, the places that have shaped him, and why he wants his children to see the world.
Hilary Whitehall joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, hacks and holiday habits that keep her family moving.
Hilary Whitehall, wife of Michael and mother to Jack, joins Jenni on this episode of Routes from LNER to talk travel, tours and the family holidays that never quite go to plan.
Food critic Jay Rayner joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to talk about the music that keeps him focused, the food that keeps him curious, and the places that first taught him to enjoy his own company.