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FOR their sterling work on Phoenix Nights, Paddy McGuiness and Peter Kay should have been given the freedom of Bolton and a bye into the final of Talent Trek.

But according to Paddy, his work on the award-winning comedy put barely anything in his pocket, in fact less than he used to earn as a lifeguard at his local leisure centre.

Paddy McGuiness and Peter Kay in the classic comedy hit Phoenix Nights
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Paddy McGuiness and Peter Kay in the classic comedy hit Phoenix NightsCredit: Channel 4
Paddy said: 'I earned more money in the leisure centre back then'
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Paddy said: 'I earned more money in the leisure centre back then'Credit: Getty Images - Getty

, who played bouncer Paddy O’Shea in the show, made the revelation as he defended older men who buy lavish cars.

Talking to Bush & Richie on Absolute Radio, he said: “Men get a bit of a hard time about getting a nice car when they are in their 30s and 40s.

“It’s because that’s the only time you can bloody afford one, you can’t get anything decent in your twenties.

Paddy said: 'Men get a bit of a hard time about getting a nice car when they are in their 30s and 40s'
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Paddy said: 'Men get a bit of a hard time about getting a nice car when they are in their 30s and 40s'Credit: BBC
Paddy added: 'It’s because that’s the only time you can bloody afford one, you can’t get anything decent in your twenties'
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Paddy added: 'It’s because that’s the only time you can bloody afford one, you can’t get anything decent in your twenties'
But Paddy couldn't afford a car working in a leisure centre and on Phoenix Nights
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But Paddy couldn't afford a car working in a leisure centre and on Phoenix NightsCredit: Channel 4
Top Gear host Paddy can now have all the fun he likes testing various cars for the show
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Top Gear host Paddy can now have all the fun he likes testing various cars for the showCredit: BBC
Paddy played bouncer Paddy O’Shea in Phoenix Nights
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Paddy played bouncer Paddy O’Shea in Phoenix NightsCredit: HANDOUT

"Well I couldn’t working in a leisure centre and on Phoenix Nights.

"And I earned more money in the leisure centre back then.”

He’s one of very few in the industry who I don’t begrudge.

Peter Kay in rare video link appearance at event for Phoenix Nights’ 19th anniversary
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