{"podcast":{"title":"Routes","slug":"routes-7075394","podcast_index_feed_id":7075394,"rss_url":"https://feeds.captivate.fm/routes/","website_url":"https://www.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/","image_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/94ff9fef-22bb-4772-8986-74af1d7f9bbf/qRtcZDDYxD5S8ahSkbvhYByG.jpg","author":"LNER","episode_count":55,"summary":"Season 3 of Routes is here - join Jenni Falconer and some well-known faces as we explore what travel means to them. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to listen to now with guests including Mel B, Sam Heughan, James Martin, Self Esteem, Stephen Mangan, Craig David, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Grennan and many more! From wild adventures to chill getaways, join Jenni for laid-back, meaningful and humorous conversations. We’ll save you a seat!","last_synced_at":"2026-07-21T14:21:39.662212+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/routes-7075394"},"episode":{"title":"Leigh Francis: Leeds Beginnings, Comedy Chaos & Keith Lemon","slug":"leigh-francis-leeds-beginnings-comedy-chaos-keith-lemon","published_at":"2026-02-17T05:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/routes-7075394/leigh-francis-leeds-beginnings-comedy-chaos-keith-lemon","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/routes-7075394","url":"https://www.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/","audio_url":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5f86dd64-836c-45ba-a893-59e09245a093.mp3","summary":"From Leeds beginnings and Bridlington beach trips to Halloween weddings and first overseas adventures, Leigh Francis’s life off-screen is as colourful as the characters he’s created. In this episode of Routes, Leigh joins Jenni to talk about growing up in Yorkshire, the chaotic comedy worlds of Celebrity Juice and Bo’ Selecta, and how his childhood shaped his sense of humour. He reflects on early travel experiences, static caravan holidays, and his first drunken friend holiday abroad, which set the tone for a lifetime of hilarious misadventures. Leigh shares stories that are equal parts funny and heartfelt, from carrying a life-size Howard the Duck on the train to visiting his favourite locations from Back to the Future, and the time he met Pharrell while wearing the same hat. He talks about family road trips through Whitby, the joy of Comic‑Con cosplay, and the creative process behind iconic characters like Keith Lemon. Along the way, there’s laughter, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the experiences that fuel his comedy. He also opens up about life on the road, being recognised (or not!) around the world, and the special journeys he’s shared with his wife and kids. Whether it’s memories of seaside arcades, discovering the magic of Disney on honeymoon, or everyday family life, this episode is a silly, personal, and unfiltered look at the laughs, travel tales, and roots that have made Leigh who he is.","meta_description":"From Leeds beginnings and Bridlington beach trips to Halloween weddings and first overseas adventures, Leigh Francis’s life off-screen is as colourful as…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2089,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/routes-7075394/episodes/leigh-francis-leeds-beginnings-comedy-chaos-keith-lemon/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/routes-7075394/leigh-francis-leeds-beginnings-comedy-chaos-keith-lemon.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}