Salford lad James Shinny Davenport started out as a rank outsider when he declared his intent to dethrone the X-Factor Christmas single. A few weeks ago the odds on his festive offering, entitled Christmas No.1, were 200/1. This morning the odds have been slashed again and are currently 6/1. Shinny finds himself in an unusual position of being second favourite behind the 'talent' show's eventual winner, and ahead of household names like Justin Bieber and Michael Buble.
The shoot for the accompanying video took place this week, first at the Kings Arms where Jody Latham and Bez starred alongside Shinny in a mammoth day of filming. The next day the crew were shooting in Walkden and I went along...
I arrive at Shinny's house as a couple of other cars pull up. Immediately a tray of sandwiches is thrust into my hands and I follow the catering team inside. I'm introduced to Gary McDonnell, who tells me that he's a professional caterer and has just returned from touring with Rod Stewart. I'm instantly reminded of just how big the campaign has become.
Shinny makes his way downstairs as two girls doing the make-up arrive. He is surprised to see me already standing in his kitchen. Despite a hectic day yesterday, he's in good spirits and thanks me for coming along. He tells me a little about the story behind the film as we catch up on all matters regarding Christmas No.1.
Today's filming will feature a drunken Shinny make a mess of things with his partner, on Christmas Eve, and get kicked out of his home. Down on his luck, he resorts to busking to raise some money for somewhere to stay. A young boy feels sorry for Shinny and gives him his own Christmas money. This is the defining moment of the video and this act of festive charity helps to turn Shinny's luck for the better....
We soon decamp to location number two outside of Nicola's Cafe on Whittle Street for the busking shots. Inside the cafe, I'm introduced to director Chris Green. Chris has just finished shooting a film called Strangeways Here We Come with Michelle Keegan. I ask Chris how the video is coming along. He's upbeat and clearly impressed that his vision for the promo is taking shape. He tells me about an incident from the previous day... "Bez was jealous of Shinny's Salford Star T-shirt", Chris informs, "He wanted one too."*
The action is soon underway with Shinny busking outside of the shops. A crowd of curious onlookers is starting to gather and cars beep their horns as they pass. Shinny has time for them all and chats between takes. A group of builders arrive in the cafe and ask what's going on. They're impressed that a local lad is raising funds for MacMillan and go over to shake his hand. In true Shinny style, the next thing we know, a builder has been given a cameo. It's quite fitting, as those that watch The Shinny Show will know 'he makes it up as goes along'.
Shameless star Tina Malone arrives in Walkden to play a disgruntled resident. She is funny and approachable, and jokes with the growing crowd as they line up for selfies. After shooting a scene where she drenches Shinny she laughs, "Easiest scene I've ever done, no BJs or gang-bangs"...
As good as Tina and Shinny are, the star of the show is undoubtedly young Tim Cassidy. Tim plays the charitable kid that donates his Christmas money to the forlorn busker. He is larger than life from the get-go. He bowls into the cafe and introduces himself to Chris Green.
"Are you okay with what you have to do?" Chris enquires. "Of course I am, I've been on Key 103 and everything", he announces. He is good too. He nails his part quickly and is disappointed when his mum tells him it's time to go.
An impromptu kitchen has been set up at The Brindley Arms where cast and crew, family and any other well-wishers are given food and drinks. Shinny's sister ensures that everyone comes in for a hot drink. His mum seems more concerned with my well-being and tells me that she wants to give me some potato hash to fatten me up.
We return to Shinny's house for the final scenes. He tells me that his kids will be along soon to film their parts in the video. He is getting a bit tired now, but he's kept his spirits up and stayed positive throughout. Of course, The Shinny Show must go on.
It's been a good day. I've been given the opportunity to get involved with the project and spend some time with the crew and Shinny's family and friends. Also, I've been able to hear Shinny perform while he was being filmed.
The single is sounding great and is available for pre-download today and officially released on December 16th.
Get on Facebook and give the Christmas No.1 page a 'like'. The page will keep you up to date and entertained with all the shinnanigans and the video will be there for all to see in early December.
Download the track and make sure that this year's Christmas chart-topper is Christmas No.1 by Shinny - it's for a great cause and 20p from every single sold will go to Macmillan. To pre-order from iTunes - click here
Words by Ian Leslie
Photos by Tony Barrett
* In the post, mate
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