Bolton in the spotlight on Vernon Kay’s Do You Know Your Place?

Hosted by Horwich-born Vernon Kay, the programme saw celebrities Anneka Rice, Shane Todd and Remi Burgz put to the test as they separated fact from fiction about Bolton.

Guiding them was “unconventional tour guide” Paul, who led the stars through a series of quirky challenges and Bolton landmarks.

The show kicked off with a dramatic drumroll as Vernon revealed the first task for the celebs, pinning on a map where they thought Bolton was located.

All made valiant guesses, though Shane ended up furthest from what Vernon called “God’s country,” pinning Cumbria some 68 miles away.

Cutting to video clips of Paul in Bolton, he first visited St Gregory’s Phoenix Club, of comedy-gold TV show Phoenix Nights.

Paddy McGuinness and Peter Kay (Image: Agency)

After sharing information about the famous show, Paul asked the celebs whether Paddy McGuinness and Peter Kay met as welders back in the day.

Anneka correctly guessed that they didn’t and Vernon confirmed the duo had actually met at school in Bolton.

In the town centre, Paul stood outside some of the first phone boxes in the UK, noting that Vernon Kay once cleaned them for a living.

Bolton Town Hall (Image: Anthony Moss)

Inside the Octagon Theatre, he highlighted notable performers such as Sir Ian McKellen, and claimed director and producer Danny Boyle had included five nods to Bolton in the London Olympics opening ceremony.

However, this was a colourful story that turned out to be untrue.

Credit BBC/Stellify Media NI Ltd (Image: PHOTOGRAPHER:Screengrab)

Bolton’s local phrases were put under the spotlight at Bolton FM, with Paul quizzing the celebs on expressions like “put wood in th’ole” – which Anneka correctly guessed means “shut the door” and not “stop talking”.

A trip to Warburtons factory followed, where Paul shared the curious fact that bread crumbs were once used to remove pencil markings.

The whistle-stop tour then headed to Bolton Wanderers Football Club, with Vernon reminiscing about his uncles attending matches.

Paul explained that the club’s name came from their early habit of moving grounds around the town.

(Image: BBC)

Personal touches on the show included a reunion with on-screen guest Joanne, who Vernon had “written love letters to at school”.

His former English teacher and childhood friend Christopher also said hello, quizzing the celebrities on phrases like “mithering me” and “proper kempt.”

Other highlights included the town hall, home to perigean falcons, the Amir Khan Academy, where Paul playfully referenced boxing anecdotes.

Amir Khan

The origins of Reebok were discussed, founded by Bolton-born Joseph William Foster.

However Paul’s claims, like the shoes being inspired by chickens, were purely for entertainment.

The episode concluded with a fast-paced speed round of Bolton-themed questions, with Anneka leading the way.

The show continues for the rest of the week, giving viewers more chances to explore the quirks of other places across the country.

Watch the episode on iPlayer.

The show is back on tonight on BBC 2 at 6.30pm