Singer Craig David has said the Bo Selecta sketch created by Leeds comedian Leigh Francis 'ruined his life'.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, the R&B singer accused Francis of 'bullying' and said that the negative attention he received from the series pushed him to leave the country.
Leigh Francis, who is also known as his persona Keith Lemon, created the sketch show in the early 2000s, where he would wear rubber masks to impersonate celebrities including Michael Jackson and Trisha Goddard.
His impressions of Craig David saw him shout catchphrases like 'Proper Reet Bo' from a mask with a huge chin and a goatee drawn on with marker pen.
Craig David. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
There was even a Christmas single, Proper Crimbo, from the character.
David said: "Every sketch felt personal. It felt like a vendetta and when it got a following, it became something that affected me.
"People would shout at me on the street and I felt the same feeling I had when I was bullied at school.
"Leigh Francis had normalised bullying by making it comedy. It was bullying across the board for everyone. When he put blackface on, that was being racist."
Francis apologised back in 2020 for the rubber masks he wore on Bo Selecta upon being accused of 'blackface', saying at the time: "I didn’t realise how offensive it was. I just want to say sorry for any upset I caused. I guess we’re all on a learning journey."
Around the same time, Channel 4 also pulled the series from its streaming platform All 4.
In his Sunday Times interview, David questioned that apology, saying: "We can all apologise when on the back foot.
"Has he reached out to any of the people he did on his show? He hasn’t reached out to me. Has he gone to communities to talk about bullying? Racism? And to be educated? You can only ask him.
“All I’ve seen since his apology is people still tweeting him thinking Bo’ Selecta! is fun and the tone of his response being very much still, ‘I’m the funny guy here’. That he still plays it like a joke after his apology tells me everything."
He also said that he moved to Miami 'get away physically from the David who everyone thought wore a colostomy bag and had a big rubber face and gigantic chin'.
Featured image: Publicity picture / ITV
Art & Culture
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Two giant balloon dog sculptures by acclaimed international artist have landed in Leeds
Clementine Hall
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
Daisy Jackson -
10th October 2022 
