The “biggest balls in the UK” projected onto a Manchester billboard have stopped people travelling in and out of the city centre in their tracks today.
You may have read the title and clocked the date, but we promise this isn’t an April Fool.
The first day of April may be more widely-known as the international day of the prank or practical joke, but crucially, it also signals the beginning of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, one dedicated charity organisation has projected the biggest balls in the UK on the side of Manchester’s flagship billboard as part of its #TalkingBollocks campaign.
The aim of the striking billboard is to not only raise awareness of testicular cancer – which is the most common cancer in men aged 15-45 – but also to encourage people to get into the habit of “checking their balls every month” to spot the signs early.
The billboard’s arrival in Manchester is the work of the Robin Cancer Trust, which was founded by 32-year-old Toby Freeman after he tragically lost his brother Robin to testicular cancer at age just 24.
— The Robin Cancer Trust (@RCTcharity) April 1, 2022
2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK, which is more than six people per day, and sadly, it’s also on the rise too, with cases increasing by more than a quarter since the early 1990’s.
However, it’s also one of the most curable forms of cancer, and, if caught early, is 98% curable, which is why monthly self-checks are so important.
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The Robin Cancer Trust therefore created the #TalkingBollocks campaign to get men talking about their balls, as by starting conversations through the campaign, they can break down the stigma.
The “biggest balls in the UK” have been projected onto a billboard in Manchester city centre / Credit: The Robin Cancer Trust
Speaking on the instalment of the billboard in Manchester, Toby Freeman – Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust – says: “Spreading awareness of testicular cancer in the most creative ways has always been our priority, so more people can see and act on our messages.
“After seeing previous national campaigns on the billboard in Manchester I was obsessed with getting a pair of balls on there to encourage people to check their own.
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“So we made it happen.”
For more information, support and how to get involved with the #TalkingBalls campaign, you can visit The Robin Cancer Trust website here.
Featured Image – The Robin Cancer Trust
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Sir David Jason set for TV return in Only Fools and Horses documentary Christmas special
Danny Jones
In a surprise bit of festive news, the only and only Sir David Jason is returning for an Only Fools and Horses Christmas special this December. Lovely jubbly!
The best-loved and most-watched British comedy of all time will be back on our screens in documentary form this festive season, with Del Boy himself David Jason revisiting the iconic comedy character after 20 years he last played him on screen.
While the legendary sitcom was broadcast on BBC back in the day, the highly-anticipated Only Fools doc will be airing on Channel 5 right before Christmas as a special one-off programme.
Looking back on the show’s incredible run on UK screens over seven series and the several ‘Christmas Cracker’ specials, specifically, the latest Only Fools and Horses documentary will see Jason and a number of other guests appearing to chat about the legendary show.
The release date of the Only Fools special Christmas documentary is yet to be announced.
While it’s still unclear how many of the original cast will be appearing, Jason’s on-screen wife Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel) is confirmed to be appearing along with other special guests including newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Bendiorm‘s Sherrie Hewson.
Sadly, a full theatrical reunion just isn’t on the cards following the deaths of Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger), Kenneth MacDonald (Mike the Landlord) and Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) in the 30 years since the show ended its run.
Only Fools writer John Sullivan also sadly passed away aged 64 in 2011 and fellow co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst, a.k.a. Rodney Trotter, told Metro: “We can’t. John is no longer with us. John was the driving force of the show and we have also lost quite a few cast members now.
“I don’t think I could do it without them and I certainly couldn’t do it without John. At the risk of depressing everyone, I think the last two times I’ve seen David has been at funerals.”
Simply entitled, ‘The Story Of Only Fools And Horses At Christmas’, the 90-minute special is yet to have its broadcast date fully confirmed but you best keep your eyes peeled on the TV guide — we’ll let you know as soon we do.
Jason, 81, has only just recovered from hip surgery earlier this year, so it’ll be nice to see his familiar grin back on our screens.
Right, we’re off to binge a whole series on UK Gold.
Habas restaurant in Manchester announces shock closure – with huge closing-down discount
Daisy Jackson
Habas, the Middle Eastern restaurant launched by the team behind El Gato Negro, has announced its shock closure.
The subterranean restaurant will be going out with a bang though, promising one last knees-up with a big discount.
Habas will be doing 25% off its entire food and drink menu this New Year’s Eve so that fans of the eatery can raise a glass to the Manchester restaurant.
They’re also hoping that Mancs will raise a glass to new beginnings, teasing a brand new concept.
Habas is located at Brown Street in Manchester city centre and has been serving up its Middle Eastern menu since 2021.
It comes from Mills Hill Developments Limited, the company also responsible for El Gato Negro and Canto, fronted by celebrated chef Simon Shaw.
Habas has stressed that its closure ‘is not forever’ as it announces details of its New Year’s Eve closing down party.
You can ring in the new year with a selection of mezze dishes, sharing platters and small plates, feasting on chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki, all 25% off on Sunday 31 December.
Food at Habas in ManchesterInside Habas, ManchesterFood at Habas in Manchester
Drinks, too, like the cranberry elderflower martini, blackberry ginger smash and clementine daquiri will be with 25% off.
Simon Shaw, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.
“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks. We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah!
“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st April 2022 
