‘It was the longest, most fun party!’ Celebrity Juice is ending after 14 years on air as Leigh Francis confirms two farewell specials
Celebrity Juice is ending after 14 years on the air.
The ITV2 comedy panel show – which has been hosted by Keith Lemon since its launch in 2008 – is coming to an end with two special episodes later in 2022.
Leigh Francis – who fronts the show as his outrageous character Keith – tweeted: ‘After 14 years, 26 series, 300 eps @CelebJuice is concluding later this year with two farewell specials.
The end: Celebrity Juice is ending later this year after 14 years on the air
‘Thank you so so much to everyone who watched, to the team captains, guests, crew and itv2. ‘It was the longest most fun party! I had a wonderful time. Big love x (sic)’
The announcement was shared alongside a compilation video of classic moments from the show set to the classic song ‘Time to Say Goodbye’.
Team captain Emily Atack Instagrammed her own tribute, writing: ‘Celebrity juice is ending after 14 years. I cannot even begin to thank everybody at @itv for allowing me to sit in that legendary seat as team captain for 3 wonderful series.’
Taking over the likes of two icons @hollywilloughby and @fearnecottonwas one of the hugest and most humbling moments of my career.’
Host: Leigh Francis – who fronts the show as his X-rated character Keith – tweeted: ‘After 14 years, 26 series, 300 eps @CelebJuice is concluding later this year’
‘It was quite literally the dream job for me. I’ll treasure every single memory with my two amazing friends @keithlemon and @thewhitmore, and all the incredible guests who took part.’
‘Thank you for the laughs and the naughtiness. Best show on tele. Love you all ❤️’
The show first aired in 2008 with Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby appearing as team captains, with Fearne quitting her role after ten years in 2018.
She was replaced by Paddy McGuinness, and Mel B later taking his spot.
‘Dream job’: Team captain Emily Atack Instagrammed her own tribute, writing: ‘I cannot even begin to thank everybody at @itv for allowing me to sit in that legendary seat’
In 2020, Holly decided to step down after 12 years, while the current captains are The Inbetweeners’ star Emily and Love Island host Laura Whitmore.
Last March Maya Jama joined as a regular panellist alongside team captains Emily and Laura. Other famous names have stepped in as team captains over the years including Gino D’Acampo and Kelly Brook.
Although the show originally focused on the week’s tabloid news stories, it would evolve as the celebrity guests were put through more over the top games and challenges.
ITV is yet to confirm details of the final two episodes – including potential lineups – but fans have already expressed their dismay at the show coming to an end.
Originals: The show first aired in 2008 with Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby appearing as team captains, with Fearne quitting her role after ten years in 2018
One fan wrote: ‘One of the few shows that’s ever made me cry with laughter and unable to breathe at times! Thanks for the great memories!! (sic)’
Another said: ‘I’m absolutely gutted this is ending. But what a great run it’s had, Will definitely miss that on Thursday nights after the final 2 specials that air’.
And a different fan tweeted: ‘A bonkers but brilliant show, I’ve seen things on there I never thought I would! How the team came up with some of the ideas is beyond me. Thank you for the laughs. x (sic)’.
Keith said in a statement confirming the news: ‘I remember doing the first episode thinking wow that was fun! In the V/O in opening titles I said it was the best telly show on telly.’
Current lineup: In 2020, Holly decided to step down after 12 years, while the current captains are The Inbetweeners’ star Emily Atack and Love Island host Laura Whitmore
‘Whatever you thought of it, it was definitely the best fun making it. An amazing team, and amazing guests, but all good things must come to an end.’
‘I’ll miss it, and everyone so much, but on to the next chapter and I look forward to going out in style on the specials! All t’ best and good luck with ya business!’
Paul Mortimer Director of Reality, Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ITVBe and CITV added: ‘Celebrity Juice and Keith have become firm favourites in the ITV2 schedule over the years, with Keith’s no holds barred humour and outrageous antics redefining the comedy panel show experience.’
‘It’s safe to say Celebrity Juice certainly won’t be forgotten in a hurry, and we’d like to thank all of the team at Talkback, and of course Keith and all of our team captains over the years for making Juice the infectious TV hit it’s become.’
Creator: The format for the series was first suggested in 2007, after the final series of Leigh’s hugely successful Channel 4 sketch show Bo’ Selecta! aired
The format for the series was first suggested in 2007, after the final series of Leigh’s hugely successful Channel 4 sketch show Bo’ Selecta! aired.
ITV approached Leigh to create a show featuring his popular Bo’ Selecta alter-ego Keith Lemon, and after the success of the five-part series Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant World Tour, the channel commissioned Celebrity Juice.
Holly and Fearne signed up as the original team captains, with Holly’s husband Dan Baldwin serving as an executive producer.
Leigh later revealed that Dan would often tell him to ‘be bad’ to his wife during filming, confessing: ‘When I do Juice there’s often someone in my ear going, ‘Say this.’
Pals: Holly and Fearne signed up as the original team captains, with Holly’s husband Dan Baldwin serving as an executive producer. Pictured with regular panelist Rufus Hound
‘Normally it’s Holly’s husband saying, ‘Say this bad thing to my wife,’ and I’m like, ‘No way! I’m not saying that!”
In March Leigh revealed his Channel 4 show The Fantastical Factory Of Curious Craft had been axed after one series because it’s ‘too expensive.’
The show, which aired in 2020, saw budding crafters go head-to-head in a bid to impress ‘factory boss’ Leigh, 48, and win celebrity commission with their speculator creations.
Speaking during an Instagram Q&A, the Celebrity Juice legend, who co-hosted the quirky show with Naked Attraction’s Anna Richardson, revealed: ‘No it won’t be back. I really enjoyed doing it but I think it was too expensive.’
Leigh’s character Keith, who has been the face of ITV2 for the past decade, will continue to appear on screen with Shopping with Keith Lemon, which returns to ITV2 and ITV Hub later this year for a third series.
Funnyman: ITV approached Leigh to create a show featuring his popular Bo’ Selecta alter-ego Keith Lemon
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