Jeff Leach: Boyfriend Experience

"I have no shame!" trumpets bad-boy comedian and TV presenter Jeff Leach about half-way through his act. But after last year’s exploration of his drink and drugs habits, he’s actually cleaned himself up. Now it’s time to tackle his sex addiction and, after his several hundred sexual relationships, to discover whether he really is suitable boyfriend material.

Leach seems a bit desperate to tell us that he’s got problems. But although he’s certainly cheeky and unafraid to talk about racy matters, he’s not as shocking as he thinks he is. He reminds us of naughty exploits several times during the show, while simultaneously coming across as likeably egocentric, albeit a bit needy as opposed to downright outrageous.

A lot of the show is surprisingly soft: his views on women, for example, or an endearing anecdote about taking a toddler to the loo. Some of it feels a little meandering, though. An overly lengthy routine on a Texan politician's namesake with decidedly dodgy views doesn’t really go anywhere. He also has plenty of ire for critics, showing a video montage of his worst reviews and returning to the subject several times. This probably means a lot more to him than it does to the audience, as the laughter soon dissipates into a couple of indulgent chuckles.

So if the bad-boy stuff isn’t really true, what’s he got left? Well, he’s quick, confident, and he’s got a great way with spontaneous banter. It’s certainly a good show, but he’ll need stronger, tighter material and a more convincing persona to make it a great one.