Showbiz
Francis: 'Craig David wishes I was dead'
Published Thursday, Mar 13 2008, 07:00 GMT | By Beth Hilton | 29 comments
Rex Features
The comedian regularly mocked David on his TV show Bo' Selecta! giving him a heavy Yorkshire accent, an oversized chin and a kestrel named Kes.
However, he denied that he was responsible for ruining the singer's image, blaming his declining success on his decision to leave for the US when he became famous.
He told Metro: "[Craig] wishes I was dead. I f**king hate it when he blames me for what's happened to him - I've got nothing to do with his career. If his music career hasn't worked, it's his fault, not mine.
"He was slagging me off all last Christmas. He said that I bumped into him, said sorry for affecting his career and that he'd called me two-faced. That's absolute bulls**t. That's why I've started doing him again [in my comedy].
"When he went to the US after he f**ked Britain off, I kept his name alive."
Francis previously hit back at criticism from the singer last weekend.
> How has Bo' Selecta! affected your estimation of Craig David?
Your Views
29 Comments
Your Responses
Ant B, Manchester, on April 11th, 2010
I think Craig David should get himself a new PR because right now, the PR he's got stands for 'proper rubbish'.
I think Craig David should get himself a new PR because right now, the PR he's got stands for 'proper rubbish'.
chace, on May 19th, 2009
that s**t!
that s**t!
Nikki, Cambridge, on June 24th, 2008
I don't see why everyone is slagging Craig off on here... I saw him in concert last week and trust me, people don't hate him... the reception he got was incredible, the crowd could not stop screaming! And he is an amazing talent, he has the most incredible voice you have heard in your life, and he was singing live. I think he deserves some respect.
I don't see why everyone is slagging Craig off on here... I saw him in concert last week and trust me, people don't hate him... the reception he got was incredible, the crowd could not stop screaming! And he is an amazing talent, he has the most incredible voice you have heard in your life, and he was singing live. I think he deserves some respect.
Silly Billy, on April 13th, 2008
Craaaaaaaaaig Day-vid. It will never die!
Craaaaaaaaaig Day-vid. It will never die!
Mark Fatson, on March 16th, 2008
It's a shame miss Piggy wasn't on the show. He was rubbish anyway, I don't think the programme has changed people's views.
It's a shame miss Piggy wasn't on the show. He was rubbish anyway, I don't think the programme has changed people's views.
Nick, on March 15th, 2008
I can't understand why his own native people don't respect him. He is an amazing singer, one of the few who can sing live better than on cd (you don't respect a Brit but you respect all the American bulls****!!!!!)
I can't understand why his own native people don't respect him. He is an amazing singer, one of the few who can sing live better than on cd (you don't respect a Brit but you respect all the American bulls****!!!!!)
Dannii, Southampton, on March 13th, 2008
I think it's really unfair that Craig David's image has been ruined by people who think humiliating someone is funny! Craig David is a great person and should fight back against this harshness!!!
I think it's really unfair that Craig David's image has been ruined by people who think humiliating someone is funny! Craig David is a great person and should fight back against this harshness!!!
Pete, Wirral, on March 13th, 2008
Can't stand the guy, to be honest, but to his credit when told to get rid of his white guitarist in order to break into the black music genre in the US he refused.
Can't stand the guy, to be honest, but to his credit when told to get rid of his white guitarist in order to break into the black music genre in the US he refused.
Emily, Halifax, on March 13th, 2008
I can only say one thing when I hear his name... Craaaiiiig David!
I can only say one thing when I hear his name... Craaaiiiig David!
Dave, Bristol, on March 13th, 2008
I've never associated Craig David with Leigh Francis's character of the same name! They look and sound so different!
I've never associated Craig David with Leigh Francis's character of the same name! They look and sound so different!
Angela, Middlesbrough, on March 13th, 2008
The Bo Selecta p@@s take of Craig David was the best bit. I wasn't that fussed on him before Bo Selecta but definately can't take him seriously now!
The Bo Selecta p@@s take of Craig David was the best bit. I wasn't that fussed on him before Bo Selecta but definately can't take him seriously now!
Katie, on March 13th, 2008
Leigh Francis is right, he kept Craig David's name alive. I only knew a few songs of his and even though I hardly watched Bo' Selecta! I always knew who Craig David was.
Leigh Francis is right, he kept Craig David's name alive. I only knew a few songs of his and even though I hardly watched Bo' Selecta! I always knew who Craig David was.
Sarah, West London, on March 13th, 2008
I thought Craig David was rubbish before Bo Selecta. He loves himself too much and it would have done his image wonders if he'd taken a leaf out of Mel B's book and taken it on the chin (and Francis' version of her is far worse!). Tough luck, I say.
I thought Craig David was rubbish before Bo Selecta. He loves himself too much and it would have done his image wonders if he'd taken a leaf out of Mel B's book and taken it on the chin (and Francis' version of her is far worse!). Tough luck, I say.
Keithski, London, on March 13th, 2008
If you are going to be egotistical enough to sing your name in almost every song, then you have to expect to be lampooned. You don't hear Mel B moaning about her impression. Impressions are supposed to be the greatest form of flattery, shame Mr David cannot accept this.
If you are going to be egotistical enough to sing your name in almost every song, then you have to expect to be lampooned. You don't hear Mel B moaning about her impression. Impressions are supposed to be the greatest form of flattery, shame Mr David cannot accept this.
Marianne, London, on March 13th, 2008
I thought he was a t**t before Bo'Selecta. The programme just highlighted how much of a self-important idiot he is.
I thought he was a t**t before Bo'Selecta. The programme just highlighted how much of a self-important idiot he is.
Jon, Nottingham, on March 13th, 2008
Craig David takes himself far too seriously, as his recent comments show - and for that reason alone he has set himself up as a worthy target.
Craig David takes himself far too seriously, as his recent comments show - and for that reason alone he has set himself up as a worthy target.
L, Staffs, on March 13th, 2008
Craig David is so up himself. If his music was good then his career wouldn't have failed. I love the Bo Selecta Craig David... its proper Bo!!!
Craig David is so up himself. If his music was good then his career wouldn't have failed. I love the Bo Selecta Craig David... its proper Bo!!!
Mandie B, Fulham, on March 13th, 2008
Leigh Francis is right, he f***** off to America to try and boost his career, but he's ruined it, what a mug. His new look and his new songs and videos are embarrassing. You're British so act it! Leigh Francis is a legend and all his characters are well over the top. Look at Mel B for god's sake - if anyone should be annoyed by Bo Selecta it should be her, but she takes it on the chin and has a laugh with it. Why can't Craig David do the same? He's so far up his own backside he doesn't know what day of the week it is!
Leigh Francis is right, he f***** off to America to try and boost his career, but he's ruined it, what a mug. His new look and his new songs and videos are embarrassing. You're British so act it! Leigh Francis is a legend and all his characters are well over the top. Look at Mel B for god's sake - if anyone should be annoyed by Bo Selecta it should be her, but she takes it on the chin and has a laugh with it. Why can't Craig David do the same? He's so far up his own backside he doesn't know what day of the week it is!
Darrell, Coventry, on March 13th, 2008
Songs are rubbish - musician is rubbish - comedian is funny... that's proper bo',I tell thee! At least something comes from David Craig that's entertaining!
Songs are rubbish - musician is rubbish - comedian is funny... that's proper bo',I tell thee! At least something comes from David Craig that's entertaining!
Star Snaps
Ten Things...
Ten Things About... David BowieDigital Spy celebrates David Bowie's birthday with ten fast facts.
Funny Videos
Funny videos: Gary Oldman, Will FerrellDigital Spy handpicks the latest viral videos.
Consider this... If Fracis had done the smashing pumpkins instead, would they have no fans? No, they'd have lots of fans because they're awesome. Draw your own conclusions. I actually like Mel B (not musically) after seeing the exposure post Fracis's avatar of her. Craig David, however, I could never stand.