The people of Manchester have spoken and they’ve crowned legendary Bolton-born stand up comic and actor Peter Kay as their favourite ever UK comedian.
Taking the top spot in Manchester’s heart but undoubtedly loved by millions right across the country thanks to his classic observational humour, quick-wit, quotable one-liners, and uncanny character representation in some of the most beloved TV shows and films of the last two decades, Peter Kay is treasure worth celebrating and a seriously worthy winner.
Do you agree with this? Who would be your top pick?
Peter Kay’s new title as Mancunian’s favourite comedian was unveiled as part of a survey commissioned to celebrate the iconic Comic Relief Red Nose Day, which takes place this year on Friday 19th March and is aiming to bring “joy and humour to homes”, all whilst raising money to help people who are “struggling now more than ever”.
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The survey also found that Mancs apparently get “a buzz off our hometown’s sense of humour” as 24% of us stated that jokes relating to Greater Manchester made us laugh the most.
When it comes to other types of comedy, almost a third (29%) of Mancunians enjoy one-liner humour the most, whilst a fifth (20%) revealed that they enjoyed observational humour the most – both of which are well-known features of Peter Kay’s stand-up routines.
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Channel 4 / BBC
And if there’s one thing that seems to unite the entire country, it’s sarcasm.
Perhaps it isn’t the lowest form of wit after all, as over a quarter (26%) of Brits said it was the type of humour they enjoyed the most.
That’s not all either, as the survey also unveiled the regions of the UK where Brits think the funniest people are most likely to come from.
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Unsurprisingly to us, of course, the North West has taken the top spot – was there ever any doubt?
Perhaps not the greatest outcome for Mancunians to hear as a follow-up to that brilliant regional achievement though is that Liverpool – the birthplace of John Bishop, Ken Dodd and Kenny Everett – came out as city with the best sense of humour and ‘the comedy capital of the country’, thanks to the poll of 2,000 adults.
With just over two weeks to go, Comic Relief is calling on Mancunians to support Red Nose Day, as the annual fundraiser will this year help to tackle issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse, and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in the UK and around the world.
Speaking ahead of the big day, Sir Lenny Henry – co-founder of Comic Relief – said: “This year, Red Nose Day will be a bit different.
“We all need cheering up, and of course we want to raise as much money as possible for people who really need it in the UK and around the world, but we also want to make you smile and bring you some laughter over the coming weeks”.
You can get involved with this year’s Red Nose Day via the Comic Relief website here.
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Oscar Bobb loan interest ramps up as Manchester City look set to sign Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Interest in Manchester City forward Oscar Bobb appears to be ramping up ahead of the January transfer window, with the club reportedly set to bring in another attacker come the New Year.
Yes, Antoine Semenyo might be on the verge of being the latest incoming, but his arrival could see a minimum of one name heading for the exit door.
According to several sources, there have been plenty of suitors for Oscar Bobb in the Premier League – including Newcastle United and Fulham – but it looks as though another big European team is currently leading the race for his signature.
Multiple outlets are stating that Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit of the Norwegian attacking midfielder/winger is looking the most advanced right now; meanwhile, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been coy on the subject in his most recent press conference.
🚨🟡⚫️ “Oscar Bobb and Borussia Dortmund in talks? You can ask Oscar, not me…”, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/8Al1ron62Q
While Germany looks to be the most likely destination, the 22-year-old’s utmost priority will surely be more regular football, with a hamstring injury having somewhat derailed his progress after making his debut as an academy graduate back in 2023.
Either way, it looks as though the Prem’s hottest prospect, Semenyo, has made up his mind.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the situation this week, writing: “Antoine Semenyo, on the verge of joining Man City with deal at final stages. Agreement in place with the player after he indicated City as [his favoured] destination – club to club almost done.”
The Italian journalist has it that “Semenyo set to become first Man City’s [January] signing”, but it’s also worth noting that these two deals could set further transfers in motion besides just Bobb’s.
For instance, elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly considering a move for either one of two offensive, albeit still quite recent MCFC signings, Savinho and Omar Marmoush – though it has been reported that Pep is keen to keep the latter at the very least.
What do you see happening, Blues, and more importantly, who do you want to see stay or go?
Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Emily Sergeant -
4th March 2021 
