News

GMB forced to apologise after journalist calls Matt Hancock ‘a complete d***head’

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 2nd November 2022

The UK public still reeling from the news that former health secretary Matt Hancock is actually going on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and, to be honest, so are we.

That being said, most people have already made their feelings towards his inclusion crystal clear: they can’t wait to watch the heavily criticised Covid cabinet minister scoff a whole bunch of witchetty grubs for as long as possible.

Some more than others, it would seem, as on Wednesday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, journalist Andrew Pierce had one message for him: “you’re a d***head”.

As you can see before the clip cuts off, the divisive Daily Mail columnist asks “can I say that?”, to which Susanna Reid quickly replies: “No, no! No, you can’t say that. Apologies, everyone”.

However, as proved by the reaction on social media, the majority of those watching at home didn’t seem to mind; one person wrote, “The use of the word d***head on daytime tv is totally acceptable when referring to Matt Hancock.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The right-wing writer clearly had no regrets about his outburst either, as shortly after the show issued its apology he simply doubled down and added, “let’s hope he endures some humiliating challenges before he’s voted off”.

Hancock had the Tory party whip removed after agreeing to go into the jungle and was suspended as an MP almost immediately.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 44-year-old said he made the decision to try and “prove that politicians are humans” and also raise awareness for a dyslexia charity campaign. However, as Pierce noted in his now-viral GMB appearance, it’s likely any attempt at a compassionate appeal will fall on deaf ears

We imagine quite a few of you are looking forward to watching this year.

You can see the full list of 2022 I’m A Celeb cast members here:

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Good Morning Britain

News

Section of the 2025 Manchester Marathon to be named after Jamie Laing following ultra fundraiser

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jaime Laing to have part of the Manchester Marathon named after him

Comic Relief has a new hero and after his ultra-distance and ultra-hard fundraising feats, Jamie Laing looks set to have part of the 2025 Manchester Marathon named after him.

He’s come a long way from the days of McVitie’s fortune and Made in Chelsea moments.

The English TV personality turned presenter, podcaster and businessman embarked on an unbelievable ultra marathon challenge earlier this week, setting himself the task of running a total of 150 miles for Comic Relief. With no training…

Making his way from London all the way to Manchester and in Salford Quays, specifically, where the BBC coverage team and thousands of spectators met him with rapturous applause, he completed the unbelievable distance and was in tears at the finish. Here’s the moment he did it:

Full of emotion after not only having smashed the five ultra marathons in five days – who had never run anywhere near this distance before in his life – but after raising nearly £3 million for the cause and counting, there were hugs and plenty of tears all-round.

Laing described the experience as “the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life” and said that a big part of the journey was battling through and drawing attention to the issues surrounding mental health, admitting: “I have suffered, and I do suffer, and that’s OK.”

We had very little connection to the Oxford-born celebrity prior to this (beyond a love for his great-great-grandad’s biscuits baked just down the road in Stockport), but now we have huge respect for him and would make him an honorary Manc if we could.

Now, while we don’t have that power at present, we’ll have to settle for the next best thing, which comes courtesy of the Adidas Manchester Marathon.

With Laing having officially completed his consecutive ultra marathon challenge, the organisers are now preparing to name a section of this year’s route through Greater Manchester in his honour.

Come on, how cool is that?

how long did jamie laing's run take?
jaime laing fundraising run
The moment Jamie Laing ran 150 miles and cemented himself in Comic Relief and Manchester Marathon history (Credit: The Manc Group)

While the exact details are still yet to be confirmed, Mancs taking on the biggest run of the year will run through ‘Laing Lane’ or ‘Jamie’s Junction’ when the Marathon rolls around on Sunday, 27 April.

The event team are still waiting to verify which portion of the 2025 route the 36-year-old, having passed through the likes of Stockport, Chorlton and other areas on his way to 0161, but there’s no question about what needs to happen – it’s just the name we need to settle on.

Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organisation) UK, the country’s leading mass participation events company, said of the achievement: “Jamie’s challenge is nothing short of heroic – five ultramarathons in five days is no easy feat!

“Not only has he crossed the finish line, but he’s also raised an incredible £2.7 million for Comic Relief. If he did pass through our 2025 route, we’ll be proud to name that stretch after him – a lasting tribute to his endurance, energy, and impact.”

Read more:

We’re just over a month away from the 2025 race, the fourth-largest in all of Europe, and with a couple of members of The Manc team taking it on again this year, we for one cannot wait.

A new finish line has already been announced for this year’s route and while we can’t tell you exactly which part of the Manchester Marathon will be named after Jamie Laing just yet, we promise to give it an extra pump when we pass through wherever it is.

It’s also worth reminding that you can still donate to his incredible Red Nose Day fundraiser right HERE.

Greater Manchester’s running culture continues to flourish with more clubs, events and representation than ever. You love to see it.

The Women’s Run Series is coming to Greater Manchester
Get moving, people.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Supplied

News

Five beautiful blossom filled walks to try this spring in and around Greater Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia spring walks with blossoms in greater manchester

Greater Manchester is full of wonderful walks and as we race headlong into spring, let’s make the most of those gorgeous blossom trees while we can.

It’s blossom season! No, not the iconic Stockport five-piece you can never get enough of – it’s that time of year when the skies get a little more colourful thanks to those lovely blossom trees.

Manchester is filled with fun things to do all year round, but now the weather is starting to hit double digits again, what better way to enjoy it than to go for a nice walk admiring nature?

If one of 2024’s biggest films was anything to go off, it’s safe to say that “green goes well with pink”, so get your walking boots on and go exploring.

Five of the best spring walks in and around Manchester

1. Fletcher Moss Gardens – Didsbury

A 20-minute drive from the city centre, Fletcher Moss Park has some stunning scenery and it’s nestled in the lovely suburb of Didsbury.

This park has its own botanical gardens and tennis courts, as well as a glorious array of cherry blossom trees, this needs adding to your Manchester walks list.

If the spring weather isn’t warming up the way you’d like it to, you can stop off at the on-site truck providing walkers with food, treats and coffees with a selection of syrups that just sweeten the deal.

2. Heaton Park – Blackley

Known for hosting one of the UK’s largest outdoor music festivals, Parklife, this public space is also home to a handful of pink-hue trees too.

Spanning over 600 acres, this park has its own boating lake, lots of prime picnic spots and a cafe for a hot drink and a pastry to pair with it.

If all is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of that Manchester sun peering through the cherry blossom flowers hanging in the sky, lush.

3. Castlefield Viaduct – Castlefield

This next walk is a little bit different and one we’re sure you’re all familiar with because it’s not too far from the hustle and bustle, located in Castlefield.

Our next stroll also doubles as a National Trust site and we couldn’t be more grateful as each year the blossoms that appear around this trail get lovelier and lovelier each year.

This place is the best of both worlds, offering an urban walking route with potted planters, hedges and flower walls that are good for the mind and live music events over at Castlefield Bowl – which is pretty good for the soul too.

4. Parsonage Gardens – Didsbury

spring walks in didsbury
parsonage gardens didsbury
Credit: Cnbrb (via Wikimedia Commons)/Peter Turner (via Geograph)

If we put the gearstick in reverse and park our cars back in Didsbury for the day, just down the road from the famous Fletcher Moss Park is the equally beautiful Parsonage Gardens, which is just as colourful come the springtime in Greater Manchester.

Not to be confused with small municipal green space located just off Deansgate in the city centre, though they do share a name, these gardens are operated by The Didsbury Parsonage Trust which looks after the Grade II-listed building on its premises and offers a nature-filled community hub to locals.

Walk through the archway located not too far from the start of the Didsbury Dozen and follow it round to find a wonderful little floral escape that has won gold in the annual RHS competitions multiple times and is the perfect length for a casual stroll.

5. Dunham Massey – Altrincham

As well as leading the way in terms of Christmas trails, Dunham Massey on the border of Altrincham and Cheshire knows a thing or two about spring walks too.

Alongside the park’s stunning manor house, there are plenty of green fields and blossom trees to get lost in, if you stay long enough you’ll forget the fact that Manchester is less than an hour away.

Being a National Trust property, there will be guides in the park to answer any queries about the park or manor that comes with it and of course a cosy little cafe where you can scoff a cake slab or two, delish.

So, this spring why not venture for a stroll into somewhere new in Greater Manchester while treating your eyes to some pretty blush pink views as we prepare for the summer ahead?

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more:

Not quite satisfied? Fancy more further afield?

Well, luckily, the North West is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, as we all know, so there’s plenty more to get stuck into this season.

The prettiest walks around Greater Manchester and the north west to try this spring
Spring over summer, always.

​​For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Peter Turner (via Geograph)/The Manc Group

More News

Mind response to government benefits cuts and 'overdiagnosed' mental health comments

News

Mental health charity Mind respond to government’s ‘overdiagnosed’ comments and benefit cuts

Cat Cafe Manchester responds to RSPCA statements on phasing out

Business

Manchester’s Cat Cafe issues lengthy response to anti-industry statement

Gareth Southgate says young men need better male role models

Art & Culture

Sir Gareth Southgate says young men ‘need better role models’ – and more of them

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches