Looking at the bright side of life: Jason Manford on growing up in the tough part of Manchester

Being raised in a tough part of Manchester hasn’t stopped Jason Manford having a laugh at the world, writes Ed Power

WHEN Jason Manford was a guest on the most recent season of Top Gear, he couldn’t resist joking about an earlier segment in which a million dollar convertible is seen bursting spontaneously into flames. “I’m from Manchester,” he proffered “I’ve seen plenty to burning cars.”