Could I be Bernard Manning’s lovechild?
A MAN who is the spitting image of Bernard Manning says he is willing to take a DNA test to settle whether or not he is the late comedian’s lovechild.
Peter O’Connor, 55, has been told more times than he can remember how much he resembles the controversial comic.
The TV extra and musician, who grew up just a mile from where Bernard Manning lived, in New Moston, says he would hear his dad throw insults to his mum about ‘other children’ in their marriage during rows.
He claims to have met the comic under bizarre circumstances aged 12 while walking home from Sea Cadets with some friends one afternoon.
Peter says the comedian – known for his politically incorrect humour – pulled over at the side of the road in his Rolls Royce and handed out signed photographs of himself.
Peter, who was one of four children, said: “Growing up I used to hear my mum and dad arguing all the time.
“He would have a go at her for children that were not his.
“She would leave him and we would end up in Blackpool and all sorts of places.
“I didn’t look anything like my dad and he used to treat my friends better than me – I often wondered why.
“As I got older people would say, ‘you know who you look like?’ I got so used to it I used to say, ‘Brad Pitt or Steve McQueen?’”
Comments from strangers about the striking resemblance and memories from childhood have left Peter constantly wondering if his real father could be the portly comedian.
He said: “If he was my father I would be a bit sad that no one ever told me.
“But if the chance to have a DNA test done was offered I would take it.
“I’m not a gold digger – I just want to know one way or another.”
Bernard Manning died in June 2007 at the age of 76. He had suffered a kidney complaint and passed away in North Manchester General Hospital.