This week, the British Curry Awards held a glitzy black-tie ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the UK’s curry industry.
The prestigious ceremony, also informally known as the ‘Curry Oscars’, takes place every year – seeing a number of awards handed out to the best Asian restaurants across the country.
However, this year’s event was sullied when a white guest presenter made a racist joke on stage, asking: “Why has India never won the World Cup? Because every time they get a corner, they build a shop on it.”
Taking to Twitter after the event last night, TV Doctor and personality Ranj Singh blasted the presenter who made the joke, asking his 174,000 followers “I’m sorry but how is this OK?”
The TV Doctor then went on to release a statement, in which he first said he was “honoured and privileged to be invited as a guest” to the ceremony before continuing to outline why he was ” not the only person that felt uncomfortable tonight.”
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Paraphrased slightly, but this is a joke made on stage at the @BritCurryAwards by a white person tonight:
“Why has India never won the World Cup? Because every time they get a corner, they build a shop on it.”
Singh asked how the awards ceremony could truly be representing the Asian community fairly when “the host is white, the judging panel is entirely white, the performers on stage are over 90% white”, a racist joke is made on stage, and organisers were “auctioning off a piece by Winston Churchill”, whose relationship with Indian (and Bengali people specifically) is known to have been problematic.
The tweet, shared by Singh on the social media platform last night, has been liked over 1,000 times and retweeted more than 300 at the time of writing.
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He then signed off for the evening, writing: “The number of people trying to justify an inappropriate and racist joke on here is saddening. But then again this is Twitter.”
Others have since taken to the platform to agree with Singh, with used David B tweeting: “I couldn’t summarise this better myself.
“The organisers did not consider that #RepresentationMatters – it felt uncomfortable to see so many white people to present, host and judge the awards when there are so many others that could have EASILY represented the community.”
I couldn't summarise this better myself. The organisers did not consider that #RepresentationMatters – it felt uncomfortable to see so many white people to present, host and judge the awards when there are so many others that could have EASILY represented the community. https://t.co/VmgdzAXv3S
Every year the awards ceremony welcomes a number of high-profile figures, including prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, showbiz and entertainment alongside celebrity chefs and curry restaurant owners and their staff from across the country.
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In previous years, attendees have included cricketer Azeem Rafiq, Love Island contestant Priya Gopaldas, and The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon.
Following the awards ceremony, organisers have said that an investigation is now under way.
Ian Wright raves about Chorlton takeaway Jerk Junction
Daisy Jackson
Ian Wright has publicly raved about a Greater Manchester takeaway, saying it’s the ‘only reason’ he comes to the city.
The TV personality and football great took to Instagram yesterday to share his short but sweet review of Jerk Junction.
It’s a beloved takeaway and restaurant that has a few sites across Greater Manchester and tonnes of loyal followers – including more than a few famous faces.
And now Ian Wright has joined the legions of fans celebrating Jerk Junction, a Caribbean spot famed for its jerk chicken and curried meats.
On his Instagram page yesterday, Wrighty shared a video of himself tucking into a huge helping of curry and rice, with fried dumplings on the side.
In it, he gives the camera a big thumbs up before saying: “It’s the only reason I come to Manchester really.”
Jerk Junction has also shared a photo of them delivering the food to Ian, writing: “Special delivery to everyones favourite Uncle, The Legend himself Mr @wrightyofficial.”
Ian Wright raving about Jerk Junction on Instagram. Credit: Instagram, @wrightyofficialIan Wright with Jerk Junction. Credit: Instagram, @jerkjunction
Ian Wright has then replied: “Too much food! But it was amazing!! Thank you so much.”
The takeaway’s menu is filled with dishes like Jerk chicken, curried goat, and vegetarian options like Ital stew, all served with rice and peas, and prepared with traditional spices and ingredients.
Family-run tapas restaurant shames customers who stole decorations
Daisy Jackson
A family-run restaurant in Whitefield has publicly shamed a couple who stole new decorations from them.
Campo Blanco, a popular tapas joint in the Bury suburb, threatened to call ‘Santa’ over the petty theft.
Owned and operated by high school sweethearts Aaron and Faye Cummins, the charming local spot opened back in 2018 and has been a firm favourite in Whitefield ever since.
But it’s not just their tapas menu that’s caught the attention of locals – now apparently it’s their new table decorations.
Campo Blanco has shared CCTV footage of a couple who dined there recently pocketing lamps off their table.
The customer in question quietly reaches across her dinner, picks up the pretty gold lamp, turns it off, and shoves it into her coat pocket.
The restaurant shared the video online and pleaded for them to return the lamps by Christmas Eve.
They then said they’d be telling Santa – ‘and by Santa, we mean the police’.
Campo Blanco wrote: “We love our new table lights too. We actually can’t get them anymore as they’ve stopped making them so please bring them back. Also, they aren’t yours!
Georgina Pellant -
30th November 2022 
