Bo' Selecta!
Encyclopedia
Bo' Selecta! is a British sketch show written and performed by Leigh Francis
, known for its often deeply surreal
, abstract toilet humour, which lampoons popular culture. It was broadcast on Channel 4
and ran for three series between 2002 and 2004, spawning several spin-offs. Francis played Avid Merrion, a dangerously insane stalker
, who conducts celebrity interviews whilst wearing an array of, latex masks, each one resembling at least vaguely a famous personage. The most popular sketches involve entertainers such as Elton John
, David Blaine
, Kelly Osbourne
, Michael Jackson
, Mel B and Craig David
. Another recurring character on the show is 'the Bear', a perverted, foul-mouthed teddy
who spews a constant barrage of filth at his guests, often before exposing himself. The series title is based on a line from the Craig David
song "Re-Rewind
." Much of the show's humour is derived from the deliberate ineptitude of each impersonation and general incongruity; famous scenes include Avid slapping Justin Timberlake
with some raw meat, and trying to seduce Patsy Kensit
while in character as Mel B
. Despite a loyal following and some strong reviews, the show has been singled out by several critics for allegedly promoting narrow-mindedness and puerile behaviour. The show is currently being re-broadcast by 4Music
.
" and the double A-side "I Got You Babe / Soda Pop
". Proper Crimbo was released at Christmas 2003, peaking at #3 on the UK Singles Chart
. I Got You Babe / Soda Pop was released at Christmas 2004, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles Chart
.
, Leigh Francis said that Bo` Selecta! may return for a fifth series sometime in the future, claiming he became "excited" whilst making the Michael Jackson tribute episode. The possibility of a further series was hinted during the special episode 'A Bear's Chrimbo Top 20,' in which The Bear stated that 'Avid' may be returning to our screens. Plans for a new series have since been put on hold, as Leigh
revealed on twitter that plans for Bo' Selecta were on hold as he was working on a script for a possible movie for another project.
in 2007, Craig David
confessed that "Inside it was absolutely pissing me off and hurtful beyond belief. There were times when I thought I just want to knock this guy out." Although David made an appearance himself in the programme, he regretted it even as he was making it: "I didn’t want people to think, ‘Craig’s reacting to it,’ because then they would think, ‘How can we get up Craig’s nose even more?’ So I did it, but I wasn’t happy about it."
Leigh Francis
Leigh Szaak Francis is an English impressionist born in Leeds. He is best known for his work as the creator of Channel 4's Bo' Selecta!, and for his portrayal of Keith Lemon for several ITV programmes. Francis lives in Camden Town, London, and on October 31, 2003, at Allerton Castle, North...
, known for its often deeply surreal
Surreal humour
Surreal humour is a form of humour based on violations of causal reasoning with events and behaviours that are logically incongruent. Constructions of surreal humour involve bizarre juxtapositions, non-sequiturs, irrational situations, and/or expressions of nonsense.The humour arises from a...
, abstract toilet humour, which lampoons popular culture. It was broadcast on Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
and ran for three series between 2002 and 2004, spawning several spin-offs. Francis played Avid Merrion, a dangerously insane stalker
Stalking
Stalking is a term commonly used to refer to unwanted and obsessive attention by an individual or group to another person. Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person and/or monitoring them via the internet...
, who conducts celebrity interviews whilst wearing an array of, latex masks, each one resembling at least vaguely a famous personage. The most popular sketches involve entertainers such as Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, David Blaine
David Blaine
David Blaine is an American illusionist and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, and has made his name as a performer of street and close-up magic. He has set and broken several world records...
, Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne is an English media personality, television personality, host, judge, fashion designer, singer, and actress, best known for being the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne...
, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, Mel B and Craig David
Craig David
Craig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
. Another recurring character on the show is 'the Bear', a perverted, foul-mouthed teddy
Teddy bear
The teddy bear is a stuffed toy bear. They are usually stuffed with soft, white cotton and have smooth and soft fur. It is an enduring form of a stuffed animal in many countries, often serving the purpose of entertaining children. In recent times, some teddy bears have become collector's items...
who spews a constant barrage of filth at his guests, often before exposing himself. The series title is based on a line from the Craig David
Craig David
Craig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
song "Re-Rewind
Re-Rewind
"Re-Rewind " is a song by The Artful Dodger featuring Craig David on vocals. Released in the UK in 1999 and reaching No.2, it was David's first chart success and is also considered by many to be the point when the Garage genre had crossed into the mainstream.-Background:The melody in the verses was...
." Much of the show's humour is derived from the deliberate ineptitude of each impersonation and general incongruity; famous scenes include Avid slapping Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
with some raw meat, and trying to seduce Patsy Kensit
Patsy Kensit
Patricia Jude Francis "Patsy" Kensit is an English actress, singer, model and former child star, known for her television and film appearances. Her films include Lethal Weapon 2 and she has been married to rock stars Jim Kerr and Liam Gallagher, as well as herself fronting the band Eighth Wonder...
while in character as Mel B
Melanie Brown
Melanie Janine "Scary Spice" Brown , often better known as Mel B, is an English pop singer-songwriter, actress, author and television presenter...
. Despite a loyal following and some strong reviews, the show has been singled out by several critics for allegedly promoting narrow-mindedness and puerile behaviour. The show is currently being re-broadcast by 4Music
4Music
4Music is a music and entertainment channel in the United Kingdom and available on some digital television providers in the Republic of Ireland - its web component can be found at with its own and pages. It is the only channel within the Box Television Network to be branded under Channel 4 and...
.
Christmas singles
Leigh Francis released two Christmas singles under the Bo' Selecta! banner, entitled "Proper CrimboProper Crimbo
"Proper Crimbo" is a Christmas song from the comedy programme, Bo' Selecta, in which Leigh Francis sings as Craig David and Michael Jackson. Crimbo is a slang term for Christmas. The video for the song sees Francis perform as other characters over the track, and includes appearances from real-life...
" and the double A-side "I Got You Babe / Soda Pop
I Got You Babe / Soda Pop
"I Got You Babe / Soda Pop" is a double A-side Christmas release based around the comedy programme, Bo' Selecta, in which Leigh Francis performs as Craig David and Avid Merrion. "I Got You Babe" is a cover of the Sonny & Cher original, and features Merrion, Davina McCall and Patsy Kensit...
". Proper Crimbo was released at Christmas 2003, peaking at #3 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. I Got You Babe / Soda Pop was released at Christmas 2004, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
.
Future
On September 24, 2009, in an interview with the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, Leigh Francis said that Bo` Selecta! may return for a fifth series sometime in the future, claiming he became "excited" whilst making the Michael Jackson tribute episode. The possibility of a further series was hinted during the special episode 'A Bear's Chrimbo Top 20,' in which The Bear stated that 'Avid' may be returning to our screens. Plans for a new series have since been put on hold, as Leigh
Leigh Francis
Leigh Szaak Francis is an English impressionist born in Leeds. He is best known for his work as the creator of Channel 4's Bo' Selecta!, and for his portrayal of Keith Lemon for several ITV programmes. Francis lives in Camden Town, London, and on October 31, 2003, at Allerton Castle, North...
revealed on twitter that plans for Bo' Selecta were on hold as he was working on a script for a possible movie for another project.
DVD releases
Nearly all of the episodes of the series have been released on DVD. The six main episodes from series one were released under the banner "Bo Selecta: Vol 1". The eight main episodes from series two were released under the banner "Bo Selecta: Vol 2". The nine main episodes of series three were released under the banner "Bo Selecta: Vol 3". All seven episodes from series four were released under the banner of "A Bear's Tail". All seven episodes from series five were released under the banner of "Bo! In The USA". The two Christmas specials from series two were issued under the banner of "Ho Ho Selecta", "Cha'mone Mo Fo Selecta" was issued under the same title as a separate volume, and "Avid Merrion's Christmas Premiere" was issued on the DVD Single of his 2004 Christmas single, I Got You Babe / Soda Pop. This leaves only the pilot episode, both parts of "Proper Bo Selecta" and "The Bear's Chrimbo Top 20" unreleased.Reception
Although many celebrities lampooned in the series appreciated the joke, and even appeared in the series, the series' most famous target did not enjoy the attention. Speaking to The Sunday TimesThe Sunday Times
The Sunday Times is a British Sunday newspaper.The Sunday Times may also refer to:*The Sunday Times *The Sunday Times *The Sunday Times *The Sunday Times...
in 2007, Craig David
Craig David
Craig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
confessed that "Inside it was absolutely pissing me off and hurtful beyond belief. There were times when I thought I just want to knock this guy out." Although David made an appearance himself in the programme, he regretted it even as he was making it: "I didn’t want people to think, ‘Craig’s reacting to it,’ because then they would think, ‘How can we get up Craig’s nose even more?’ So I did it, but I wasn’t happy about it."