Merrion Centre welcomes homegrown star Keith Lemon for filming of new series
Leeds-born entertainer revisits childhood memories at the Merrion Centre as part of his brand-new TV series.
The Merrion Centre was delighted to recently welcome Leeds-born entertainer Keith Lemon, the much-loved comic character created by Leigh Francis, as filming took place for his brand-new series, Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant National Tour.
Returning to his hometown, Leigh revisited some of the places that helped shape his childhood, with the Merrion Centre featuring as one of the locations holding some of his fondest memories growing up in Leeds.
During filming, Leigh walked through the centre recalling visits to the legendary Tiffany’s under-18s disco and reminiscing about spending countless hours browsing his favourite shops that once called the Merrion Centre home.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said:
“It was a real pleasure to welcome Leigh back to the Merrion Centre. We’re incredibly proud to be part of so many people’s stories, and it’s wonderful to know the centre played such a memorable role in Leigh’s childhood. The Merrion has evolved significantly over the years, but it’s those personal memories that make places like this so special. We look forward to seeing the finished programme and wish Leigh every success with the new series.”
Leigh Francis added:
“The Merrion was basically my playground growing up. I came here for Tiffany’s under-18s disco, spent all my pocket money in the joke shop buying fake dog poo and whoopee cushions, and probably caused my mum a few headaches every Saturday. Walking back through the centre brought it all flooding back. Thankfully, I’ve matured a bit since then… although I’m still laughing at the same daft jokes.”
The filming formed part of Keith Lemon’s Very Brilliant National Tour, a new series following Leigh Francis as he returns to places that have shaped his life, sharing personal memories and celebrating the people and locations that mean the most to him.
The Merrion Centre looks forward to seeing the finished episode tonight (14th October 2026) and is proud to have played a small part in welcoming one of Leeds’ best-known personalities back to where many of his earliest memories were made.
To watch the new series visit: youtube.com/@keithlemonforever
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