Have you heard that a brand-new series of Embarrassing Bodies is returning to our screens in 2022 after five years since it was last on air?
And this week, it’s bringing back its famous ‘Confessional Booth’ to film in Manchester.
Announcing its two-day stay in Manchester on 27 & 28 January in a post to Instagram, Embarrassing Bodies explains that the ‘Confessional Booth’ will disguise your face, so that you can ask the new GP team all the questions you’d be too embarrassed to ask your own GP.
“We are looking to offer discreet advice and answer your questions about practically any embarrassing issue,” the show said.
In case you don’t remember the programme, or you’re unfamiliar with the premise, the BAFTA award-winning medical reality television show first hit our screens all the way back in 2007, and has since gone on to air eight series, multiple spin-offs – featuring kids, teenagers, and more – and even a special hour-long live version in 2011.
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With one of TV’s most unique concepts, the series’ basic premise involves members of the public with a wide variety of medical conditions consulting the show’s doctors for advice, and up until then, those were conditions they had been too embarrassed to seek help for.
The show is bringing back its famous ‘Confessional Booth’ to film in Manchester / Credit: Channel 4
In many cases in the show’s long history, cosmetic or corrective surgery has been offered and undertaken to treat patients with more severe or noticeable ailments.
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The show was always highly-popular during its original run and was the topic of many a conversation, and now, Channel 4 has confirmed that it’s going to be back for a new and exciting series next year, one that producers Maverick TV say is aiming to “raise awareness on health issues and medical conditions that some people may find hard or embarrassing to talk about”.
“We hope in some instances we can potentially offer fast-tracked specialist help and treatment,” they added.
A casting call for the new series – which will be aired on E4 – has been published on the Channel 4 website, and it reads: “Is Dr Google your best friend? Are you worried about a health condition that you don’t want to see your GP about?
“It could be bad skin that makes you miserable, excess hair where you don’t want it, a funny odour that you aren’t sure is normal.
Embarrassing Bodies is back with a new series coming in 2022 / Credit: Channel 4
“Maybe there’s a condition that you’ve been struggling with for years but have never had the right treatment for.
“No concern or issue is too small.”
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Do you have a health concern that you’ve previously not had the confidence to seek advice for? Applications for the return of Embarrassing Bodies in 2022 are now open, so if you are interested in taking part in the series, head on over to the Channel 4 website.
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
27th January 2022 
