Wishy Washy Laundrette owners say the show has 'ruined our lives'

Paul Dawson and Karen Wakefield who became the central figures in the fly-on-the-wall documentary series all about life in Moston and Harpurhey, says it has left them feeling suicidal and in bad health.

The controversial show said it aimed to show the wit, vibrancy and community spirit behind all the grim statistics connected with one of the nation’s poorest neighbourhoods.

But the Manchester Evening News report that the pair say being involved has left Karen feeling suicidal, Paul in bad health and the family with no money left to run their failing laundry business.

The couple also claim that they are being ‘hounded’ by Manchester council after receiving a number of fines for a variety of offences.

They say they will refuse to pay around 15 penalties they have been issued with over the last few months, including a fine for £620 after they were found guilty of failing to ensure daughter Madison attended school, a £640 bill for the business running without a waste disposal contract in place and a number of parking fines.

Following the latest prosecution over the lack of a waste contract Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester council’s Executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: