Jason Manford (born May 26 1981, Salford, Lancashire) is an English writer, comedian, actor and television presenter, who began his career in 1999. Manford was working in a comedy club collecting glasses when a performer didn't arrive for an evening set. Manford, who was 17 at the time stepped in to fill the gap, an event which marked the beginning of his comedy career. Six gigs later he was crowned The City Life North West Comedian of the Year.