Issue 1187

12 Jun 2017
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About this issue: Overview

Paul O’Grady, presenter, comedian and animal-lover talks to Gary Ryan about his latest venture, presenting the much-loved re-boot of Blind Date. The show found fame with his best pal Cilla Black presenting and O’Grady tells us how he feels about taking the reins. He also tells us why the homeless problem in Britain makes him angry and why he no longer watches the news.

Spice use continues to grow on the streets of Manchester city centre. Two years after our first investigative report, charity workers and experts discuss the devastating effects of this notorious drug.

Zach Abbott is an ambitious 17-year-old chef. After winning the Golden Apron competition in Yorkshire, he dreams of one day running his own restaurant but for now juggles working in the kitchen with his studies at college.

Anne Reid, star of Dinnerladies and Last Tango in Halifax, features in Letter to my Younger Self. She confides that she doubted her acting abilities when she was growing up but says the best part of her life has been in the last 10 years.

Big Issue North is proud to be included in the Hannah Directory that celebrates the “great stuff” people are doing in the north, while vendor Nicusor is looking forward to the Manchester Day Parade on 18 June when he will be playing the accordion.