Tom Parker has been posthumously shortlisted for a National Television Award (NTA) for his groundbreaking brain tumour documentary.
The award nomination for the 33-year-old Bolton-born singer – who was known for being one fifth of the popular British boyband, The Wanted, since 2009 – comes after he sadly passed away on 30 March following being diagnosed with an inoperable terminal brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020.
Tom had been undergoing a number of treatments in an attempt to prolong his life following the devastating diagnosis, and chose to make a documentary, titled Tom Parker: Inside My Head, about his journey living with the illness – which aired on Channel 4 in October 2021.
The moving documentary followed Tom as he organised a star-studded concert, also called Inside My Head, at the Royal Albert Hall last September, all with the aim of raising worthy funds for charities Stand Up To Cancer and The National Brain Appeal.
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The hour-long programme also helped Tom’s mission to campaign for brain tumour awareness.
Tom Parker has been posthumously shortlisted for a National Television Award (NTA) for his groundbreaking brain tumour documentary / Credit: Channel 4
In the documentary, Tom spoke openly about how he believes a “massive improvement” is needed in treatment and research funding for brain tumours.
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According to leading charity Brain Tumour Research, GBM is the most common type of brain tumour and is also one of the most aggressive, but there is currently no cure, and it often resists treatment, with the average survival time from diagnosis being 12 to 18 months.
The amount of money spent annually in the UK on brain cancer research has increased from £4 million in 2009-10 to £15 million in 2019-20, but Brain Tumour Research says that figure must increase to £35 million to address the “chronic lack of funding”.
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‘Tom Parker: Inside My Head’ aired on Channel 4 in October 2021 / Credit: Channel 4
Tom Parker: Inside My Head has now been nominated for a National Television Award, and is in the running up against Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, who presented the documentary Caring For Derek about her family’s life after her husband – former political adviser Derek Draper – spent a year in hospital being treated for COVID-19.
Katie Price’s What Harvey Did Next, Julia Bradbury’s Breast Cancer And Me, and Paddy and Christine McGuinness’s Our Family And Autism are also in the running for the award.
The 2022 National Television Awards are to air on ITV on 15 September.
Featured Image – Channel 4
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
24th August 2022 
