WATCH Paddy McGuinness returns to Bolton in TV show segment

Bolton comedian, Paddy McGuinness, has returned to his hometown in an exclusive segment for BBC’s The One Show.

In the special film, Paddy visited his childhood home, the social club used for Phoenix Nights, and Horwich Leisure Centre, in order to explain exactly what these locations meant to him growing up.

This comes ahead of his book launch of ‘My Lifey’ which is available to purchase now.

Introducing the One Show segment, Paddy describes Bolton as the “jewel of the North” and a place where “dreams are made”.

His first stop took him to 26 Auburn Street where he grew up.

 

Just one hour to go until #TheOneShow, tonight @PaddyMcGuinness will be taking a look at Bolton, where he grew up. Here's a sneak peek ðŸ"º

7pm, @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer ðŸ"º

Watch live ðŸ'‰ https://t.co/qeJpEUjsnt pic.twitter.com/aGmnjtrwLK

â€" BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) October 26, 2021

 

Paddy explained: “This is the mighty Auburn Street and where I spent all of my childhood. Some of my happiest years were spent playing in and around these streets.

“We lived here until I was around six or seven years of age and then we moved [to number 30].”

Paddy McGuinness returned to Auburn Street (Photo: BBC, The One Show)

He added that his mum brought him up on her own and she used to work two jobs.

Paddy added: “I’d see my dad at weekends but it’s not until you get older that you realize how much your mum actually did for you.

“She gave up her entire life for me and I wish she was still here now so I could spoil her a little bit.”

The Top Gear presenter also talked about some of the jobs he had growing up â€" including one as a lifeguard at Horwich Leisure Centre.

 

. @PaddyMcGuinness looks back on his memories working as a lifeguard in his home town of Bolton 🏊‍♂️

Stream on @BBCiPlayer ðŸ'‰ https://t.co/qeJpEU1RvV#TheOneShow pic.twitter.com/fwGR1Io54t

â€" BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) October 26, 2021

 

He explained: “The building I remember was demolished four years ago, as was the pool where I often worked as a lifeguard.”

He met up with some of his former colleagues who still work at the centre.

“Dolphins! We had dolphins in the pool,” Paddy reminisced with them. “It’s mad isn’t it?

Paddy McGuinness as a lifeguard (Photo: BBC, The One Show)

Paddy revealed that it was during his time working at the leisure centre that he bumped into fellow Bolton comedian, Peter Kay.

“He had started doing stand-up comedy, £80 for two minutes work,” Paddy explained.

“I thought ‘I’m gonna give that a go’ â€" only problem was that I’m actually very shy.

“In my teenage years if I was late for a class, even by a minute, I wouldn’t walk in. I couldn’t stand the thought of everyone looking up at me.”

Towards the end of the video segment, Paddy revisited the local social club that propelled him to fame - St Gregory’s Social Club.

Paddy McGuinness returned to St Gregory's Social Club (Photo: BBC, The One Show)

The social club in Farnworth served as the location of the calamitous Phoenix Club in his hit TV show, Phoenix Nights.

He played one half of the club's doorstaff, Patrick O'Shea, alongside Peter Kay who portrayed Max Bygraves. 

While exploring the club’s interiors, Paddy explained: “We didn’t change the club much to make the show. Pretty much all the extras were made up from locals.

“Everyone just mucked in really because it was exciting for us. None of us had done telly before.”

Paddy McGuinness left his signature in St Gregory's Social Club in Farnworth(Photo: BBC, The One Show)

Before exiting the club, Paddy made sure to leave his mark by signing his signature on the wall; it now sits alongside other signatures of Phoenix Nights cast members. 

“My life has taken some unexpected turns an I couldn’t have predicted any of it” Paddy concluded. “I’ll always be a Bolton lad at heart.”

You can watch the full segment on The One Show over on BBC iPlayer.

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