Christmas No 1 hopeful Jason Manford hits back at Scrooges panning his record

While telly titans Shane Richie and Nick Knowles exchange insults amid the battle for Christmas No 1, comedian Jason Manford is taking a slightly different approach to his critics.

The 36-year-old stand-up turned musical theatre star released A Different Stage in October which includes a rendition of The Impossible Dream from broadway hit Man of La Mancha and Hushabye Mountain from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The album release received mixed reviews on social media, with some taking to Twitter to address their disdain. But in true comedic fashion Manford didn’t let the critics off easy.

I’d see a doctor oal

— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) November 17, 2017

you spelt ‘voice of a fucking angel’ wrong pal xx

— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) November 17, 2017

I wish you were too 👍

— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) November 15, 2017

Will Manford stuff the opposition like a turkey or be tossed aside like a soggy sprout? We reviewed the Christmas cracker in this week’s Big Issue.

Jason Manford

A Different Stage

What is it? Salford-born comedian out to prove that show tunes are no laughing matter

Stand out tracks: Stars, On the Street Where You Live

One-line review: No odds, but comes with Ball & Boe’s blessing: “He’s got chops!”

Mr and Mr Christmas, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe – who grabbed the Christmas album crown in 2016 – chat being Together Again this year. Catch their full interview and see how Manford fares compared to other festive celebrity releases – Sheridan Smith, Alexander Armstrong, Anton Du Beke and of course, Richie and Knowles and their new feud – in this week’s Big Issue.