Keith Lemon admits to emotional post-show weep after filming last ever Celebrity Juice episode-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

‘I was in an emotional bubble’ (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Keith Lemon has opened up about how emotional he felt filming the last episode of Celebrity Juice, which brings an end to the show after 14 years.

The comedian, 49, who has presented the comedy panel show since its launch in 2008, said he will ‘miss’ the programme and meeting its star-studded guests, some of whom reunited for the grand finale, including original team captains Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton for Thursday’s send-off episode.

Keith, whose real name is Leigh Francis, said: ‘It’s a lot of fun and I got a bit emotional at the end. I don’t think that bit is in.

‘I was in like some kind of emotional bubble.

‘It was a bit like a dream, but I was trying to cherish the day.

‘I came off stage and just hugged my wife and teared up.

‘It’s making me tear up now just thinking about it.’

Guests from over the years reunited for the special (Picture: ITV/Talkback)

Including the first ever team captains, Holly and Fearne (Picture: ITV/Talkback)

The host said it was a ‘great ending’ filled with the show’s classic games including Wibbly Wobbly and Don’t Show Keith Ya Teeth.

Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore and Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack, who took over the captains’ roles from Holly and Fearne in series 24, will also feature in the final episode.

Maya Jama, Joey Essex, Big Narstie, Chris Ramsey and Will Mellor will all also make an appearance to say goodbye to the programme.

Keith had previously confirmed the big names returning, exclusively telling Metro.co.uk at the TV Choice Awards in November: ‘Fingers crossed for Gino [D’Acampo]. Holly and Fearne I’ve heard is a tick, so that’s good.’

Continuing to list names, he said: ‘Emily [Atack] and Laura [Whitmore] are there, Chris Ramsay – you’re getting exclusives – and that’s all I know. Oh and Maya Jama.’

Fans were devastated when it was revealed the plug had been pulled on the beloved programme, with Keith admitting back then that he will feel ’emotional’ to film the final scenes.

The show came to an end after 14 years (Picture: Talkback/ITV)

He explained: ‘I’m really excited, but I think it might be emotional as well, because it’s been 14 years.

‘If Holly tears up I will, although she’s [not been on the show] for three years, so maybe she’s not bothered, but I think we all still get quite emotional about those sort of things.’

In July, it was announced that after 26 series on ITV2, the show would not be renewed.

Holly and Fearne began with Keith back in 2008 (Picture: Steven Peskett)

Laura and Emily took over as team captains from series 24 (Picture: ITV)

Over the years it saw names like Gino D’Acampo, Mel B, Paddy McGuinness and Kelly Brook all appear as team captains, while celebrity guests included Ed Sheeran and Pamela Anderson.

Keith said he feels the show has come to its ‘natural end’ but he would consider coming back for a special or live episode.

He added that he knew it was not to everyone’s taste as it was ‘rude and naughty’ but he feels ‘at its core there was a lot of heart’.

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‘It was all about friends having a fun time and I think people enjoy watching people having fun,’ he continued.

‘I’ll miss it loads and I’ll miss meeting all of those wonderful guests that we had on over the years.’

The one-hour special, Celebrity Juice: The Happy Ending, airs on Thursday December 8 at 10pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

A 60-minute compilation show called Celebrity Juice: The Last Hurrah will air a week later, on Thursday December 15 at 10pm.

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