Aitch took home his first-ever BRIT Award this past weekend, and he’s dedicated it to the city of Manchester in a heartfelt message.
The chart-topping rapper – real name Harrison Armstrong, who proudly hails from Moston in North Manchester – found himself on the national stage on Saturday night as he clinched the win for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act at the 2023 BRIT Awards.
The 23-year-old was the first act to be presented with an award on the night of ceremony, which took place at The O2 Arena in London, and was up against some tough competition with the likes of fellow superstars Stormzy, Dave, and more in the same category.
But the local lad beat the lot to be one with the trophy in his hands on the night.
Although he hoped he would’ve been able to have “a couple more drinks” before stepping up on stage to accept the award to calm his nerves, the rapper was able to deliver a heartfelt speech and express gratitude for his journey and how far he’s come.
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“I’m not gonna lie, I never get a bit scared, but I’m sh****ng myself,” Aitch said as he began his speech, “I thought I’d have time to have a couple more drinks before I came on here, but obviously not.”
He then thanked his record label, everyone on his team, and sent love to friends, family, and fans
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After thanking those who helped him get to where he is today, Aitch then took some time in his speech to reflect on where he came from: “Not to get all cliché, but I just want to say, not many people where I’m from – especially my side of Manchester – get the opportunity to stand up here and receive such an amazing gift or award.”
He then discussed his motivations, as the speech turned heartfelt.
“I think that’s the main reason I do it for – to set examples and let people know that it’s possible, no matter where you’re from.
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“Just because five million people haven’t done it before, you can [still] do it.”
He closed out his speech by encouraging everyone in the audience to be proud of themselves and their journeys as well: “I think everyone should be proud of themselves in the room just for being here and sometimes we need to kick back and reflect on how well everyone’s doing, because I don’t do that personally enough.
“Big up everyone, respect. 0161 in the building. All love, thank you.”
The rapper then took to his Instagram the day after the ceremony to dedicate his first-ever BRIT Award to the city of Manchester: “This one’s for Manchester. The next one’s all for me.”
Aside from Aitch’s win, Manchester and the North West were also well represented in the form of several other local winners.
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Wilmslow originated, now and Manchester-based, indie pop rock band The 1975 took home the award for Best Rock/Alternative Act, and then there was, of course, serial winner Harry Styles – with the Holmes Chapel singing superstar scooping four awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop/R&B Act.
Styles also opened the show with a performance of his smash-hit single As It Was.
Other big winners on the night included Isle of Wight indie rock band Wet Leg, who also took home three awards and, like Styles, too won big at this year’s GRAMMYs last weekend.
Beyoncé won two awards in the international categories, while Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. won Best International Group, and Becky Hill won Best Dance Act.
Featured Image – ITV
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Viewers find just ONE flaw with ‘perfect’ Gavin and Stacey finale
Daisy Jackson
Gavin and Stacey aired its last-ever special on Christmas Day, an hour-and-a-half-long farewell to the characters so loved by most of the British public.
The hit series, which follows the lives and loves of Gavin and Smithy in Essex and Stacey and Nessa in Wales (along with all their hilarious, familiar family dynamics), returned after five years for a final send-off.
Gavin and Stacey: The Finale has been hailed a ‘perfect’ ending, with emotional scenes that moved viewers to tears of laughter, nostalgia and sadness.
But there was one flaw, one missed opportunity, that viewers can’t stop pointing out.
In the final episode, which picks up five years after Smithy (James Corden) proposed to Nessa (Ruth Jones) in a cliff-hanger that had us all shouting at our tellies, we’re back in Barry and in the frantic midst of wedding preparations. But whose wedding is it…?
Sadly it quickly transpires in the episode that Smithy is going ahead with his wedding to Sonia, a pretty and prim but passive aggressive Essex girl who has been named as one of TV’s best villains.
(Side note – Laura Aikman, who plays Sonia, kept her return in the show a complete secret even from her family – look at the moment they found out here).
Neil the Baby singing in the Gavin and Stacey finale. Credit: BBC
Throughout Gavin and Stacey: The Reunion, we see how Smithy’s relationship with his son Neil, now a teenager, has blossomed, with the teen singing at his wedding to Sonia and taking on an apprenticeship with his dad.
For almost 20 years, Neil The Baby has been a crucial part of the Gavin and Stacey storyline throughout and is even still played by the same actor, keeping Smithy and Nessa, who co-parent him, intrinsically linked.
So when he suddenly goes ‘missing’ during the climax of the finale, fans were pretty fuming.
In the dramatic final scenes, Smithy runs out of his wedding and goes to find Nessa, realising that she has been his true love all along.
How do we explain to Beyoncé that a character called Neil the Baby on BBC had most of the UK more interested than her performance of ‘Blackbird’ ? https://t.co/Cv6Zzpwpk6
But despite departing in a huge coach (oh yeah, Dave Coaches is back), he weirdly leaves their son behind?! Gavin and Stacey also just abandon their children at the cancelled wedding.
Smithy and Nessa finally, finally get together in a beautiful moment with a great monologue from Smithy, and their own son isn’t there to witness it. Wild.
One person said: “Gavin and Stacey was actual perfection apart from a tiny thing. Why didn’t Neil the Baby get on the bus to get Nessa? They were his parents and it would have been perfect him seeing Smithy propose! It’s just a very minor thought probably me being way too picky!”
Neil the baby and Gavin and Stacey's kids at the cancelled wedding after the grown ups leave to find Nessa pic.twitter.com/deX86ahALY
Gavin and Stacey was actual perfection apart from a tiny thing. Why didn’t Neil the Baby get on the bus to get Nessa? They were his parents and it would have been perfect him seeing Smithy propose! It’s just a very minor thought probably me being way too picky! #GavinAndStaceypic.twitter.com/aUiNSHsLxZ
Oldham Athletic owner praised for ‘heartwarming’ Christmas gesture
Danny Jones
Amidst all the festive fixture congestion and travel drama, the lovely side of football can often get lost this time of year, but the owner of Oldham Athletic FC has gone viral for reminding everyone of what’s important this Christmas.
The Latics faced off against Braintree Town in the National League in their last game before Christmas on Saturday, 21 December, walking away with a 2-0 win on the road to send the travelling fans home with an early stocking filler.
However, it wasn’t the result that fans and supporters all over the country have been talking about, it was a small but heartfelt gesture from Oldham owner Frank Rothwell who was in attendance for the pre-Christmas away game that has left people applauding him and the values now instilled around the club.
What a difference a bit of recognition, gratitude and simple kindness can make, eh?
As you can see, the 74-year-old entrepreneur (best known for founding the Manchester Cabins portable buildings company) didn’t just send out a Christmas message via club media or record a quick video as many other teams still struggle to put the effort into, he stayed behind to thank every single supporter.
Shaking hands and offering out hugs, all with a sincere enthusiasm and generally lovely demeanour, the Oldham native – donning his distinctive blue club flat cap – made sure to wish each and every one of them a merry Christmas before the nearly five-hour drive home.
Just downright wholesome stuff this, isn’t it?
Reacting to the video which has been reshared countless times online, one person said: “As a former Oldham resident it’s nice to see someone at the top care about the club, the residents and the town in general. It’s been a long time since that has been the case”; another added, “A nice gesture by the owner… After all, it’s the fans who make the game special.”
A third user wrote, “Oldham is a very lucky club. I had the pleasure of a chat with Frank in the tent at PP. I can honestly say one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve met.” A subsequent reply underneath the comment read: “Hate these lot but f*** me I’m jealous, what a genuine bloke he seems to be.”
Hope you get back soon, Oldham belong in the Football league.
Rothwell completed his takeover of struggling Oldham Athletic back in 2022 after they were relegated from the EFL (English Football League) after 115 years.
Spirits were understandably low at Boundary Park back then and things are still far from perfect, but the sentiment around the club now is a much more uplifting one, as Rothwell and his board look to have really ingratiated themselves among the fans and the community.
Micky Mellon’s side were set to take on York City in their final game of 2024 on Boxing Day but the match was ultimately postponed due to intense foggy conditions which plagued many of Thursday’s games. They will now take on Hartlepool away on New Year’s Day.
You can pretty much guarantee Frank will be along to watch that one too. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the football club owners keeping the heart of the beautiful game alive.
Emily Sergeant -
13th February 2023 
