US are Bolton wonderers Americans can’t understand Paddy’s accent
TELLY funnyman Paddy McGuinness’s Hollywood dreams were dashed when US producers needed subtitles to understand his Bolton accent. He was being considered as host for the American version of his hit dating series Take Me Out before being rejected. Instead, they plumped for American comedian George Lopez (below), but the series was short-lived Stateside, running for just eight episodes, while it’s still going strong in Blighty. Speaking exclusively to me, Paddy, 44, says: “Fox TV wanted Take Me Out, and they asked about me. Our executive producer showed them an episode and, no word of a lie, they couldn’t understand me. So she had to go back, get it subtitled. “They went for George Lopez – so that was my American Dream squashed. It was never anything that kept me awake at night. I’m really happy doing what I do.”
The father of two adds: “In my job people think you’re out at every kind of party – I did all that years ago. I’m a lot more mellow now. I just really like being at home, with the kids in bed, telly on, a takeaway, with my shorts and T-shirt on. I like getting back to my own bed.”
He talks about popping round to lifelong pal Peter Kay’s house to have a pint, before reminiscing about his upbringing watching Corrie with his mum and joining her while she worked as a cleaner in bingo halls.
His upbringing played a part in Paddy’s decision to become the new face of online bingo and gaming site Jackpotjoy.com. “I know that world,” he says.
Previously fronted by EastEnder Barbara Windsor, Jackpotjoy’s campaign will also see his face on a dinner plate.
Paddy laughed: “To take over the crown from a legend like Barbara Windsor is a huge honour. She’s the Queen of Bingo.” ■■Bingo fans can claim their plate by visiting arightroyaldish.co.uk Michelle Keegan. I watched Our Girl and thought she was amazing. She was also great in Tina and Bobby. She’s come from Coronation Street and really made a name for herself.
Wes is outvoted as he’s in a house full of girls, so he gets demoted to the cinema room and the girls get what they want. The TV is usually on the Disney Channel. ■■The Real Housewives of Cheshire is on ITVBe at 10pm on Monday