Davina McCall has become the latest famous face to visit Karen’s Diner in Manchester – and has proven once and for all that celebrity status won’t protect you from the torrent of abuse served alongside the burgers.
The presenter and fitness guru popped up to visit the restaurant in Prestwich last week.
It’s famed for its deliberately rude staff and terrible service, with shouting and swearing commonplace.
Karen’s Diner waiters purposefully shun conventional customer service skills in favour of eye-rolling and complete disdain for their patrons.
But as unusual as the concept may be, it’s proving hugely popular up in our city – so it was time for Davina to get the Karen’s treatment.
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She shared a video to her 1.6 million Instagram followers documenting her trip with boyfriend Michael Douglas and friends and family.
The staff serving Davina and her loved ones. Credit: Instagram, @davinamccall
She really committed to the day out as well, travelling all the way up to Manchester from Tunbridge Wells and back again – a journey that typically takes about four and a half hours each way.
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Unlike the poor unsuspecting 73-year-old grandma who was taken to Karen’s Diner without warning or explanation (and then proceeded to give the staff a stern telling-off), Davina seemed a bit more prepared.
As soon as she approached the counter she was ready to warn the staff of a vegetarian in their party, leading to a chorus of boos while Davina laughed on.
At other points, she’s called a ‘stupid b**ch’ for asking about drinks, given a MILF hat, and generally teased.
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She wrote on Instagram: “We made a pilgrimage from Tunbridge wells to Manchester and back in a day to go to the almighty @karensdinerofficial . Amber took terrible care of us, she was totally hilarious.
“Our greeting by front of house was brilliant. It was so so so funny.
“Tag line to Karen’s diner is great food terrible service … it HAS to be experienced… highlights include Harriet getting her veggie burger with a flag on a cocktail stick in it .. and it said wanker. It was worth the journey.”
Other celebs including Emma Willis (‘F***ing brilliant’), Rylan Clark-Neal (‘I’m so jealous’) and Ruth Corden (‘Right…next road trip I’m coming’) have all commented on the video.
Featured image: Instagram, @davinamccall
TV & Showbiz
A hilarious and award-winning Star Wars burlesque show is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
In a galaxy not so far away, a smash-hit Star Wars parody and burlesque show is coming to Manchester city centre in the New Year.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
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.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd January 2023 
