Manchester comedian Jason Manford’s brother, Colin Manford, has reportedly impressed judges during an audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Performing a stand-up routine at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Colin is said to have delivered an ‘amazing’ act that has placed him as a strong contender in the ITV competition.
Colin Manford’s Audition Impresses Panel
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column that Colin was a ‘surprise contestant’ whose act ‘went down a storm’. Described as a ‘well-known face’ on the northern comedy circuit for years, Colin has, however, ‘never managed to break through like Jason’, 45. The judging panel for his audition included Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI, and guest judge Bradley Walsh.
Upon realising Colin’s family connection, the judges reportedly became ‘so excited’. Bradley Walsh, 66, even stated he would contact Jason Manford to praise his brother’s performance, as reported by Yahoo News UK. The source indicated that Colin ‘looks like he’s going to go far’ in the competition.
Bradley Walsh’s Impact as Guest Judge
Bradley Walsh, known for presenting The Chase, stepped in for regular judge Simon Cowell, 67, who was absent from the Blackpool auditions due to a back operation. Walsh’s guest appearance was widely deemed a ‘huge success’, with sources suggesting he posed a ‘threat’ to Cowell’s long-standing position on the panel.
According to The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column, Walsh brought a ‘different energy’ to the panel and was observed helping acts, providing one aspiring comedian with a ‘proper introduction’ akin to a comedy club setting. His extensive experience in the entertainment business, spanning 40 years, was noted as a factor in his ability to help contestants. The Sun also detailed Walsh’s dynamic presence throughout the auditions; Amanda Holden, 55, was reportedly ‘in stitches’ due to his one-liners, while he even garnered a standing ovation from the crowd after singing Frank Sinatra’s ‘That’s Life’ during a filming break. KSI, 33, jokingly pressed the golden buzzer for Walsh.
An insider warned that Simon Cowell ‘might want to hurry back before Bradley makes himself too comfortable’, noting Walsh ‘seemed a little nervous at first but soon looked like he’d been running the show for years’. Walsh was also noted for playfully telling the notoriously vocal BGT audience off for shouting, which Amanda Holden found ‘hilarious’.