HAVING already been turned down for a job at Tesco Express, Jason Manford is working a shift with one the retailer's rivals instead.

The comedian applied to work at the Tesco Express in Wilmslow back in March when the pandemic led to events being cancelled – including the musical he was due to star in, Curtains.

Jason joked that he was ‘absolutely livid’ about being turned down in a social media post last month, where he shared the rejection letter with his followers.

But the 38-year-old was offered a second opportunity at a surprise retail career by Iceland, who tweeted: "Our door is always open for you Jason."

Jason agreed to work a shift for the company, provided his wages could be donated to the Children's Adventure Farm Trust.

Located in Booth Bank Farm near Lymm, the charity provides holidays and day visits for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children in the north west.

And today, June 16, was the big day for Jason's shift.

In a post on Facebook, Jason said: “Funny how life turns out.”

During his delivery round in Cheshire, for which he donned a red and grey uniform, he also visited The Bread And Butter Thing charity to deliver £500 of groceries that will support those in need with essential food supplies.

Jason said: "Massive thanks to Iceland who have offered me this opportunity to not just deliver some food to their loyal customers, but also for making a generous donation to charities that are close to my heart."

Richard Walker, managing director at Iceland, added: "Everyone at Iceland is extremely grateful for Jason's contribution today and he has certainly helped to lift spirits with our customers and heroic colleagues.

"Our stores are deeply rooted within their local communities, so it's a real privilege for us to be in a position where we can work with great people like Jason and donate to some worthy causes at the same time."

After Tesco turned him down last month, Jason explained that he had applied for work ‘when it looked like supermarkets etc were going to need thousands of extra hands’.

A Tesco spokesman said Jason had missed the deadline for the Wilmslow job.