Comedian and West End star Jason Manford wore his heart on his sleeve last week when he donned a special suit on the ITV singing contest Starstruck. Jason, from Salford, looked dapper in suit designed by a Kent fashion student.
The eye-catching black suit had which had red hearts running up the sleeves. He explained that he'd decided to give the opportunity to students instead of wearing pieces from established designers, kicking off the selection with an outfit created by fashion and design student Katie Butler who studies at the University of the Creative Arts in Rochester, Kent.
He was applauded for his decision as told fans on his social media: "Rather than going with the famous (and super expensive) designer suits every week on Starstruck I had another idea. Why not give the opportunity to hard working fashion students to design and make suits for the telly.
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"So tonight is the first one, Katie Butler a third year BA fashion and design student at University of the Creative Arts, Rochester. I loved the job she did, she certainly wears her heart on her sleeve." Jason, 41, added: "And yes of course I paid them for the suits. Not going to have a load of students out of pocket am I?"
After being praised for showcasing Katie's work, he did it again on tonight's show, which sees singers transformed into their idols and performing for a chance to win £50,000. As he sat alongside fellow judge Shania Twain in the latest episode (March 4) he proudly wore a dark grey 'Map of Manchester' suit, also made by a student from Rochester University of the Creative Arts.
The special suit, which he teamed with a crisp white shirt and black tie, was made by fashion designer Annamarie Wheeler who wrote: "It has been such a great experience working with this amazing team! Thank you so much to everyone involved! Much more of the suit and some bts coming in the next couple days."
Jason wrote: "Tonight’s suit was another creation from a student at Rochester University of the Creative Arts. Well done AnnaMaria Wheeler (@annamarie_wheeler on insta) and her ‘Map of Manchester’ suit on tonight’s #Starstruck."
Michaela Trueman commented on his Facebook: "I really liked this suit! Some uni students have such talent. These designs deserve to be seen on TV. So glad you wear them" And Sara Smith told him: "Absolutely love you are supporting students."
Sarah Bray praised: "I really loved this suit and think it brilliant you are showcasing emerging talent. I thought it looked well cut." And Gemma Knott enthused: "This is incredible!! I love that you are showcasing new talent."
Allison Maybury wrote: "I love what you're doing in giving students the opportunity to showcase their talent and design your suits. I need to zoom in now and see if I can spot any familiar haunts." And Nathan Philip Saxton said: "Fantastic! A walking manchester A-Z. Looks so cool tbf."
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