Justin Lee Collins

Justin Lee 'JLC' Collins is a multi award winning documentary and television presenter known for his long hair and colorful appearance. Born and raised in Bristol, England Justin has a recognizable west country accent. Justin was raised by his father Danny a freelance electrician and his mother Anita, he is an only child. Justin left Speedwell Technology College at the early age of 15 and started working full time in a warehouse for a supermarket with no qualifications. His father insisted he accept a placement at Filton College to study performing arts, he did and gained a BTEC national diploma. During his time at Filton College, Justin was given a slot on a small-time local radio station performing sketches and impersonations, The slot was given to him by chance after a prank phone call to the station left the host in fits of laughter. As a child Justin had a fascination with cult television, and loved shows such as The A-team, Dallas. His Favourite film was Star Wars, and loved the musician Tom Jones. All of which would play a huge part in his future career. On leaving college Justin was employed as a 'double-glazing' salesman, he would practice stand-up jokes on passers by and use it to make sales. During this job Justin would perform stand up comedy on 'nights' in local clubs, pubs and bars. Eventually winning the best New Comedy act at the Glastonbury festival in 1997 gaining him a place at the BBC New Comedy Awards where he was a finalist.Justin was noticed by a talent scout for MTV during a stand-up gig, and was offered a job presenting a new TV show. Justin officially quit stand-up comedy in 2002 to focus on television and radio. During 2002, Justin made numerous television shows for MTV and Bravo. He also starred in an advert for UK food snack 'Twiglets'. In 2003, British 'alternative' radio station XFM hired Justin to host a prime-time show once a week. During which came Justin's first big break in the industry, his talents landed him the opportunity to host BBC's companion show for 'Strictly Come Dancing' a remake of Justin's childhood Favourite TV show. Justin hosted the show for one year, and left XFM in 2005. From 2005 to present, Justin has continued to present and host popular documentary's, television shows and game-shows. Including his very own Bring back series... in which he tracks down childhood icons from iconic films/shows and reunites them one last time and popular late night comedy 'The Friday night project' in which he co-hosted with award winning comedian Alan Carr. In 2010, Justin tried to represent the UK in the Eurovision song contest. He was rejected by the BBC. In January he announce that he was going to try to represent Ireland with a song written for him by lead member of the band boy-zone, Ronan Keating. RTE also rejected his attempt. Although the song was not short-listed for entry but was available for sale in the UK charts. From August 2011 to September 2012 Collins played Dennis Dupree in The West End production of Rock Of Ages along side X factor star Shane Ward. Collins separated from his wife of 5 years and a relationship with Anna Larke in 2010. They lived together in Kew, London from January to July 2011. In December 2011, Collins was charged with harassment and causing fear of violence, following alleged harassment of Larke. On 9 October 2012, Collins was convicted of harassment causing fear of violence by a majority verdict of the jury. He was sentenced to 140 hours of community service and ordered to pay £3,500 prosecution costs. He did not appeal against his conviction. Following the trial he sought help from a psychotherapist.