Leigh Francis has issued an apology via social media for his portrayal of black characters on television in the past.

Posting on his Keith Lemon Instagram account he said: "Hi, my name is Leigh Francis, I play a character called Keith Lemon on television. It's been a weird, few days, been a weird few days. I’ve sat and thought about things and what I could post to try and help things. Back in 2002 I did a show called Bo’ Selecta, I portrayed many black people. Back then I didn’t think anything about it, people didn’t say anything, I’m not going to blame other people.

"Been talking to some people, I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then. I just want to apologise, I just want to say sorry for any upset I caused whether I was Michael Jackson, Craig David, Trisha Goddard, all people I’m a big fan of. I guess we’re all on a learning journey.”

He commented further next to the footage: "Following recent events, I’ve done a lot of talking and learning and I would like to put this out there. I want to apologise to anyone that was offended by Bo’ Selecta. I’m on a constant journey of knowledge and just wanted to say I’m deeply sorry. #blacklivesmatter"

The post has had over 417,047 views so far.

Watch the clip here.

Picture: Instagram