We began this award last year to acknowledge a creative who had an indefinable quality that our categories might fail to capture. In part, this was due the popularity of our previous winner: Salfordian raconteur Simon Williams. His creative output covered many bases and clearly struck a chord with our readers. We decided that we had to continue this miscellaneous section again to ensure that we include our authors, DJs, historians, broadcasters and everything in between.
It gives us great pleasure to announce that our Star Award has been won by James 'SHINNy' Davenport. SHINNy, in many ways, epitomises this category as he is known for various ventures and has featured in the Salford Star for numerous reasons. He is an actor, mentor, musician and a former sportsman. However, recent years have seen SHINNy turn his attention to presenting online shows.
Initially, SHINNy took a light-hearted approach and had used his channel to promote his charity Christmas single Christmas No.1. Soon these broadcasts gained massive popularity. A key feature amidst the promotional work and humour was SHINNy's heart-on-the-sleeve openness when discussing his demons. These conversations became an integral aspect and the shows started to reach out to sufferers of anxiety, depression and addiction.
SHINNy's honesty resonated with his audience and The SHINNy SHOW began to provide a much valued service. Viewers started to relate and interact with the host to share their own experiences as he inadvertently started to take on the role of Recovery Influencer.
The SHINNy SHOW LIVE created an inclusive space that encouraged interaction and an open dialogue on serious concerns. SHINNy listened to their hopes and fears, and discussed his own recovery. Director Chris Green picked up on the importance of the shows and discussions began about the possibility of a film.
Between them a script was produced for a semi-autobiographical piece The Making of an Addict. Earlier in the year, we attended the filming and screening of the trailer. The film's teaser had similarities with kitchen-sink dramas of the sixties and seventies and drew comparisons with Kes.
SHINNy feels that the film may head in a slightly more esoteric direction as it develops into a full-length movie ..."We think it's going to be a bit more psychedelic and spiritual; similar to The Doors".
The Making of an Addict has been a massive 2019 highlight for SHINNy and should be completed next year. He also has plans for a book to accompany the film. The idea came during one of his shows that featured Ricky Hatton. He expects it to be more detailed and multi-faceted than the film, more than an auto-biography... "An education book to break the stigma of addiction; I want different voices giving their understanding of addiction. It needs a collective of people to explain it."
During the Q and A at the film premiere, the subject of the 'upside of addiction' came to light. SHINNy is certain that an addictive personality can be a huge positive, if channelled in the right direction. "It [addiction] can manifest itself in other areas. It drives you and boosts the ego."
He's sure that a lot of top athletes regularly use it their advantage. SHINNy accepts that his own addiction will have helped him achieve many things, too (rugby, boxing and music).
I asked if he would remove that element of his character, if it was possible. "That's a good question...Yes, because it took me away from my sister and mum...but no, because now I can talk about it and help people".
We'd like to congratulate James SHINNy Davenport on winning the Salford Star 'Star' Award and wish him every success in the future.
Words by Ian Leslie
Salford Star Award Winners...
Best Performer Tony Kinsella - click here
Best Play - Getting The Third Degree - click here
Best Act - Andy Brides - click here
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