NO LIKEY, NO LIGHTY
Who is Paddy McGuinness and when is his new show with former Top Gear co-presenter Chris Harris?
Before his big break in showbiz, Paddy worked on a building site
OVER the years Paddy McGuinness has become one of the nation’s favourite entertainers.
With over two decades in showbiz, Paddy isn't slowing down, as his new show Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping airs on Sunday, September 29, on BBC2.
7
7
Who is Paddy McGuinness?
Patrick Joseph McGuinness, also known as Paddy McGuinness, was born on August 14, 1973, in Farnworth, Lancashire.
He is well known face within the world of television and comedy.
After leaving school at 16, and getting a job on a building site, Paddy made his TV debut in 1995 as a contestant on a series of dating shows, including Davina McCall's God's Gift.
Paddy McGuinness' big break
Paddy's big break came in 2001 alongside Peter Kay in the smash sitcom Phoenix Night - which ran for two series until 2002.
The show, which was focused around members of a working men's club in Manchester, saw Paddy star as Patrick O'Shea.
Having risen to prominence with his performances alongside fellow funnyman Peter Kay.
Paddy then went on to present and act in a variety of popular TV programmes and tour the country as a comedian.
What is Paddy McGuinness' biggest showbiz fear?
Despite his career success, Paddy previously confessed that he never turns down work in television due to a "constant fear" that work might dry up.
Most read in celebrity
He said: “I do think being working class, it’s in you. You just have that thing of ... that constant fear of, if it stops what do I do next?
“You constantly have that in your mind.
Christine McGuinness reveals ex Paddy’s dates with new women despite STILL living together
"I’ve always been quite driven in that sense.
“I’ve always been looking at the next thing, even when I’m on a show that’s really successful.
“I’m constantly looking at the next thing or trying to create something myself.”
7
Is Paddy married and does he have any children?
Paddy was married to former Miss Liverpool, Christine McGuinness.
The pair tied the knot in 2011 at Thornton Manor in Wirral after three years together.
However, in 2022, the couple, who share three children together, announced that they had split.
The pair welcomed their twins Leo and Penelope in 2013.
This was followed by the birth of their daughter Felicity, in 2016.
In 2023, the former couple were nominated for a National Television Award for their powerful BBC documentary detailing their struggles raising three children with autism.
What TV shows has Paddy starred in?
Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping
7
Paddy has a new show with co-star Chris Harris called Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping.
Their new programme sees them head out on the highway for a turbo-charged adventure around Europe.
The first episode will take place in Sweden, the second in Greece, and the third in Switzerland.
As of September 2024, with Paddy aged 51 and Chris 49, the duo embark on a mission to explore the various ways our European neighbours age gracefully.
They told the BBC: "We’ve really tried to tap into both the traditional and modern methods of ‘living well’ that is adopted by each of the countries we visit.
From Swedish saunas, to milking goats, rock climbing, and even visiting a ‘gentleman’s clinic’…you name it and we try it!"
Show creators BBC Studios do not see it as a continuation of their former TV vehicle, Top Gear, despite the similarities.
That show was halted after co-host Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash during filming in 2022.
A BBC Studios insider said: “This is a brand new travelogue show for Paddy and Chris.
"The duo will travel across Europe, using various modes of transport, visiting people to find the secrets to wellness and happiness — no stunts, no car reviews.”
The premiere of Paddy And Chris: Road Tripping will air on BBC One on Sunday, September 29.
Phoenix Nights
In 2000, Paddy starred in old friend Peter Kay’s show That Peter Kay Thing before joining Kay’s new comedy series.
The award-winning Phoenix Nights saw the star as doorman Paddy O’Shea, working alongside fellow bouncer Max Bygraves, one of many characters played by Peter.
This led to the pair of them teaming up as a duo for the sitcom Max And Paddy’s Road To Nowhere in 2004.
Take Me Out
Paddy is also well known for being the tongue-in-cheek host of the dating show Take Me Out, which was filmed in Kent. During the series, he became famed for his catchphrases - including "No Likey, No Lighty". Sadly the show came to an end in 2019.
Coronation Street
Paddy starred in six episodes of Coronation Street in 2015.
He played Dougie Ryan, a holidaymaker on a campsite that a group of Corrie residents went to visit.
Across the week, he proved to be a stick in the mud who was obsessed with life in the great outdoors - considering himself somewhat of a camping Bear Grylls.
His episodes were generally well-received as comic relief for the week, but he has never returned to the soap.
The Keith And Paddy Picture Show
Paddy joined forces with Keith Lemon to recreate a string of famed movies for their series, The Keith And Paddy Picture Show.
This included hilarious takes on Star Wars, Dirty Dancing, Ghostbusters, and Jaws.
The show was typically followed by the original film on ITV.
Even Better Than The Real Thing
In 2017, Paddy hosted a 60-minute special celebrating the biggest names in pop music - bringing together the world’s top tribute artists for a glamorous night of performing and competing.
Even Better Than The Real Thing brought together performances from cover bands and acts who are quite simply the very best in the game.
Top Gear
7
In 2018, it was revealed Paddy, along with Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris, would be the new hosts of Top Gear in its new format.
However, in 2023, the series was permanently halted, and it emerged that cricket legend Freddie wouldn’t be returning to host the show.
The decision came not long after the former cricketer was involved in a horror smash whilst filming the show.
I Can See Your Voice
The British version of I Can See Your Voice - fronted by Paddy - aired in 2021 on BBC One.
Presented with a group of six "secret singers" identified only by their occupation, judges must attempt to eliminate bad singers from the group without ever hearing them sing. In order to help them achieve this, the contestants drop clues for the celebrity panel over the course of six rounds.
Question of Sport
7
Paddy also hosted the popular BBC quiz show, A Question Of Sport from 2021 until 2023.
He took over from Sue Barker after she was axed from the show.
Speaking in 2023 about the pressure of taking over from Sue, Paddy told The Monday Mile podcast: "For me personally, the pressure I felt, I felt it more for A Question of Sport than Top Gear."
Tempting Fortune
In 2023, Paddy's first Channel 4 gameshow kicked off.
Titled Tempting Fortune, the show sees 12 strangers give up their luxuries to take on the toughest of terrains.
However, if they give in, then the £300,000 joint cash prize will start to dwindle.
Temptations include a taxi to the next stop, a massage and hot shower, or a five-star bed for the night.
The Great Celebrity Bake off: Stand Up To Cancer
Paddy took part in The celebrity edition of Bake Off, alongside Joe Thomas and Ellie Taylor in 2023.
Stand Up To Cancer is a charity that focuses on raising awareness for the disease.
Channel 4 has aired telethons and fundraisers for the charity since 2012.
In addition to this, Paddy has also appeared on shows such as Don’t Look Down and Comic Relief’s annual Red Nose Day charity fundraiser.
7
What position did Paddy McGuinness play in Soccer Aid 2024?
Paddy was on the Soccer Aid squad for the June 2024 match as a celebrity goalkeeper.
Speaking about Soccer Aid before the big game, he told ITV: "When I first started, I used to play 90 minutes.
"Then the next time I did 70 minutes, then 45. And I've gradually done less and less and less.
"So, when you're just over 49, it's like 'stick him in the net because he's knackered'.
"So that's what I'm doing. I'm going in the nets."
Who was Paddy McGuiness' Soccer Aid team managed by?
For the June 2024 Soccer Aid footie tournament he was on the England team.
The squad was managed by none other than Harry Redknapp.
He was joined by co-managers Frank Lampard and Robbie Williams.
Soccer Aid line-up 2024
Fans can't wait for soccer aid to kick off on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The FULL line-up of players has been released and it is a mix of celebrities and former pro footballers.
England:
- Frank Lampard (Co-Manager)
- Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)
- Robbie Williams (Co-Manager)
- Jill Scott (Captain)
- Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper)
- David James (Professional Goalkeeper)
- David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach)
- Footballer Jermain Defoe
- Jack Wilshere
- Footballer Joe Cole
- Pundit Karen Carney
- Footballer Gary Cahill
- Singer Tom Grennan
- Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett
- Actress Erin Doherty
- Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah
- Comedian Alex Brooker
- Cricketer Stuart Broad
- Actor Bobby Brazier
- Sam Thompson
- Footballer Ellen White
- Footballer Theo Walcott
- Actor Danny Dyer
- YouTuber Miniminter
World XI:
- Mauricio Pochettino (Manager)
- Jesus Perez (Coach)
- Usain Bolt (Captain)
- Footballer Eden Hazard
- Footballer Roberto Carlos
- Actor Martin Compston
- Comedian Maisie Adam
- Presenter Roman Kemp
- Comedian Lee Mack
- Boxer and reality star Tommy Fury
- Gladiator Diamond
- Footballer Michael Essien
- Footballer Patrice Evra
- Footballer Petr Cech
- Comedian Jason Manford
- Footballer John Obi Mikel
- Footballer Kaylyn Kyle
- YouTube Theo Baker
Topics