'Funny, honest and utterly creative. This book is a lot like the man himself!' Fearne Cotton

'From humble beginnings to the top of the entertainment tree and everything in between! A beautiful book about a beautiful man' Paddy McGuinness

This is the story of a little boy called Leigh Francis who became a naughty bear. And then a man called Keith Lemon, and also Avid Merrion and whoever else you may or may not know me as (but not Mick Hucknall). All this time behind the neckbrace, bandage or whatever costume I’ve worn, I was still just that little boy called Leigh Francis.

From the moment I stepped out in front of the camera, I’ve always been in character. Now the time has come to lift the mask (literally) and reveal myself (not literally): from growing up in Leeds obsessed with TV, films, toys, clothes and dressing up as my favourite superhero,* to my wild adventures,** my first relationships*** and moving to London to pursue my dream of being silly and having a laugh. Oh, and there’s a bit about making it in the wonderful world of telly – the highs, the lows and everything in between.

So here it is, my memoir! Expect a chuckle, a thoughtful pause and maybe even a tear or two. I can’t lie, I’m a little bit nervous about it as this isn’t like all the made-up stuff I’ve done in character – this is my story. A true story about Leigh.

* Spider-Man

** in the Cubs and Scouts

*** with breakdancing and skateboarding

‘He looks exactly like me. Bang tidy book, I’ve not read it, but it had some nice pictures in it’ Keith Lemon

‘I didn’t like it. There was bear-ly anything in it about me’ The Bear