Jason Manford can’t pay mortgage during coronavirus lockdown

Jason Manford can’t afford to pay his mortgage during the coronavirus crisis.
The 38-year-old comedian was relying on his tour with ‘Curtains: The Musical Comedy’ for income, but after the run was cancelled due to the pandemic, he has had to get support to help with the payments on his home.
Speaking on Channel 4’s ‘The Steph Show’, Jason said: "I’ve taken a mortgage holiday. That’s one of the worst holidays I’ve ever had in my life…
"I did have a worry at the beginning because I was supposed to be on tour and it all got cancelled. We’ve all had the rug pulled out from underneath us. Whatever situation you’re in, it’s totally different to what it was a month ago."
Jason spent the drive home from his last show wondering what the future might hold as he has never been the type to stay home and be a "full-time dad".
He explained: "I drove home from Leicester where I’d just finished and I’d been doing eight shows a week, touring since September, and in the car with a bit of worry about the whole situation but also thinking I’m going to have retrain myself to be a full-time dad when I get back.
"Because I’ve sort of not being doing that. I’ve been a bit of the old fashioned bread-winner, getting out and putting the dinner on the table. To get home and do the homeschooling and the cooking and finding out about their friends… it’s a totally different world.
The ‘Scarborough’ star also told host Steph McGovern how he recently came to the rescue of primary school teacher Jenny Williams who had her bicycle stolen and couldn’t get to school for key workers children.
He said: "I feel a bit embarrassed telling you that story. I saw it on Facebook, she needed a new bike so I bought her one so she can carry teaching key workers’ children."
Jenny Williams sent her thanks to the comedian and musical theatre star, saying: "A massive heartfelt thanks to Jason for restoring not only my faith in humanity but giving the children a real-life hero story.
"Your generosity has lifted my spirits and I feel very lucky to be able to continue to cycle to work and support the key workers at this critical time. Rest assured, the bike will remain locked up at all times."