I LOVE THE MANCUNIAN HUMOUR

dancing skills hit the white bright floors of Stringfellows on many occasion!

My favourite place to shop in Manchester is...

Pop Boutique on Oldham Street. It’s full of vintage originals and wonderful knick knacks. I love a good rummage. Thunder Egg in Affleck’s is great too. I’m also partial to a good few hours in TK Maxx. I like to spend all day in Waterstones. I love a travel book or an Ordinance Survey map!

The last gig or show I saw in Manchester was…

Book of Mormon at The Palace Theatre. It was fabulous! Not what I was expecting at all. Very funny, and a great night out. I love a packed theatre. It restores my faith in live entertainment. I’ve been touring with Calendar Girls for the last few months so I don’t get to see as much as I’d like to, but next week I’m off to see my chum in Gypsy at The Royal Exchange and then the following week, for a bit of festive cheer, I’m going to see my friends in Pantomime at the Opera House. Manchester’s theatre scene is the best! We have so much to choose from and a great bunch of talented actors.

My favourite hidden gem in Manchester is…

The Buddhist Centre on Turner Street. It’s a little bit of heaven especially when I’m feeling tired and run down. I spend many an hour there. The yoga classes are amazing. I always leave that space feeling re energised and re grounded. Also, there’s a fab cafe downstairs called The Earth Cafe. My mate Patricia runs it. She’s a great chef. The food is wholesome and healing. They do a great smoothie too! I always meet up with my writing partner there. It’s quiet and a great place to be creative.

The best Manchester band of all time is...

The Mock Turtles. My mate Jo was in the band. She’s such a talented musician and she’s still as gorgeous