Will Mellor has revealed he was repeatedly targeted by fraudsters who stole his identity and a “substantial” amount of money.
The Stockport-born actor – who is best known for his role on the BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, as well as in Hollyoaks, Line of Duty, No Offence, and Broadchurch, and as Harvey Gaskell on Manchester-based ITV soap Coronation Street – has spoken out about his trauma the victim of fraudsters.
The Strictly star told ITV Granada that the fraudsters used his identity to set up bank accounts in his name so they could launder money.
He said he only grew suspicious when he found someone rifling through his post.
The 46-year-old, who narrowly missed-out on securing a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final last month, says a “substantial” amount of money was taken from him and that the fraudulent activity had been going on for “some time”.
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He also claims that it’s not the first time he’s been a victim of fraud either, which is why he has decided to speak out about it and warn his fans to be vigilant at all times.
Will Mellor says he was repeatedly targeted by fraudsters who stole his identity / Credit: Will Mellor (via Facebook)
“My neighbour bumped into me and said that she saw someone hanging around my letterbox and thought she saw him take something out of it,” Mellor told ITV Granada.
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“I put my CCTV facing towards the letterbox to see if I could catch anything and low and behold I caught a guy with his hand in my letterbox taking mail out. I found out that he had been intercepting my mail and had opened several accounts in my name. He had stolen my identity and had been laundering money through these accounts. One of them had £20,000 in it.”
Mellor added that situations like the one he found himself in can happen to anyone, and has offered a few tips to help “combat the crooks”.
Telling people to be aware of their online presence, Mellor pointed to recent research carried out by Nationwide that he said “shows there’s a lot of people who give too much information online on social media platforms”.
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The Stockport-born actor says fraudsters took a “substantial” amount of money from him / Credit: Will Mellor (via Facebook)
The research showed that 70% of people share their personal details on social media, with Mellor advising people to “be careful what you are posting on your bios”.
He said checking bank statements regularly is one top tip to avoid fraud.
Another tip he shared was getting a wallet that prevents people from using contactless mechanisms which can steal money off your card just by being close by, adding: “It’s great because now when I am on the train I am not worried about people being too close to me.”
Featured Image – ITV
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
10th January 2023 
