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Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon and Jill Carter attend the opening night of Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park on November 16, 2023© Dave Benett,Getty

Keith Lemon's surprise Christmas tradition revealed: 'We've got our tree up already'

The presenter, whose real name is Leigh Francis, is a father of two

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
Updated: November 17, 2023
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Keith Lemon and his wife Jill have shared a rare glimpse into their family life and revealed their surprising confession when it comes to how they celebrate the festive season.

Speaking exclusively to HELLO! at the opening of Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, the Celebrity Juice presenter admitted that their family of four are big on starting the Christmas traditions early.

WATCH: Keith and Jill have been married for more than 20 years

Keith, whose real name is Leigh Francis, admitted: "We've got our tree up already, and we've already started our Christmas movies. It's exciting, we love Christmas."

When it comes to their plans for the big day, Keith shared an insight into how he, Jill and their two daughters, Matilda and Dolly, spend Christmas. "We've got family to go to, mostly we just say to friends 'Come round'," he said.

MORE: Meet Celebrity Juice star Keith Lemon's family from his wife to his kids 

MORE: Prince William and Kate's favourite Christmas experience with their kids is back – and better 

Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon attends the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Charity Preview Night© Joseph Okpako
Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon attends the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Charity Preview Night

"On Christmas morning, [Jill] is always the first up, we open presents, have Christmas dinner, champagne, and our neighbour Helen comes over. We don't leave the house! We always stay home because it's the time to just spend it together."

Asked about whether he'd be spending any time with his TV family, such as former colleagues and close friends like Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton, the 50-year-old said: "I think people think [ITV] is a family but people spend time with their own families.

Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon and Jill Carter attends the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Charity Preview Night at Hyde Park on November 16, 2023© Joseph Okpako
Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon and Jill Carter attends the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Charity Preview Night at Hyde Park on November 16, 2023

"That's the problem, having a lot of friends and finding the time because immediately family comes first and then it's like trying to arrange dates."

The Bo' Selecta creator then revealed that after suffering a sad loss earlier in the year, the family were hoping for an extra special Christmas present this year. "Our dog died in August, she was 17," Keith shared. "And I keep dreaming about a white chihuahua."

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Jill and Leigh married on 30 October 2002 at Allerton Castle in North Yorkshire, and have two children, 14-year-old Matilda and 12-year-old Dolly. He has previously hinted that the pair were childhood sweethearts. The family, who reside in north London, are notoriously private, with Leigh usually taking part in interviews under the guise of his alter-ego Keith Lemon.

Although the presenter generally prefers to keep his family life away from the spotlight, he has occasionally opened up about how his wife Jill is his "rock".

Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon and Jill Carter attend the YRDS Creative Talent Marketing Agency VIP Launch Event at Louie on July 12, 2023 in London, England.© Dave Benett
Leigh Francis aka Keith Lemon and Jill Carter attend the YRDS Creative Talent Marketing Agency VIP Launch Event at Louie on July 12, 2023 in London, England.

Chatting previously to the Mail Online, Keith said: "Everyone thinks that we wake up and the comedy starts, but it's not like that. She sees the real me, the grumpy me."

He added: "She holds it together for in the family, Jill is an amazing woman. She does everything, she is the best. I love everything about her. She is so special and is a brilliant mum to our kids."

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