It’s eyes down for Lynne’s Big Bingo as city content creator Niall prepares for Great North Run

It’s eyes down for Lynne’s Big Bingo as Liverpool content creator Niall O’Callaghan gets ready for his first half marathon.

The 34-year-old from Skelmersdale is taking part in the Great North Run in September in aid of the city’s Be Free Campaign which offers mental health support for young people.

But before he gets his running shoes laced up for the world’s biggest half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, one of his alter-egos Lynne is getting the balls out for a crazy game of bingo at The Oriel Bar in Water Street on June 19.

Niall, who’s an ambassador for Be Free Campaign said: “Lynne is the Scousest, campest, most fabulous grandmother you’ve ever seen, and she’s inspired by my own nan Loretta, who we always called nanny Lynne.”

“All the inspiration, the behaviour and vocabulary come from her – she entertains the whole family just by being herself, and now I’m hoping she’ll help entertain others and support the run which the bingo’s raising money for, it’s going to be so much fun.

“I’ve changed some of the catchphrases for the numbers to give it a Scouse spin so 88 is two curvy girlies and 49 is cheese and wine – and Stevie G even gets a mention.

“And it’s immersive, so when it’s 45, I’ll shout ‘Alexa, play Gloria Gaynor I Will Survive, it’s number 45’ and get the audience to join in. It’s going to be a laugh.”

Life’s looking good for the dentist’s manager who, two years after becoming everybody’s favourite ‘Scouse gerl’ with his hilarious TikTok sketches as favourite character Savannah, has finally given up work to concentrate on his dream.

He’s recently been nominated for Celebrity of the Year for the National Diversity Awards which he admits has ‘blown me away’ and ‘left me in tears’.

But it’s not the fame or fortune that matter to Niall who’s gained thousands of followers for his reels, Instagram videos and TikTok posts.

He says: “I’m booked and I’m blessed,” I’ve finally given up my job so I’m now a full time content creator.”

While comedy is very much at the forefront of his career, helping others is too. Niall has already been involved with eight different charities including Be Free Campaign, Sahir LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, GYRO which offers LGBTQ+ youth groups for children and young people aged 11-25 who may be exploring sexuality and/or gender identity and the Collaborative Network CIC for which he hosted his first event.

He’s supported The Anti-Bullying Schools Project in Liverpool, speaking at its anniversary celebration at St. George’s Hall in November with his own story, A Little Boy with a Bright Light, and he’s helped teenager Ruby O’Brien from Kirkby who’s trying to raise £20,000 for a new lift at the Epstein Theatre.

And as well as the Great North Run, he’s braving the Anfield Abseil for Claire House Children’s Hospice on June 5.

He says: “I want to make a positive impact. It’s something that I think is woven into my DNA. When someone has a platform – and mine’s not the biggest but it’s growing – you want to be that influential change and role model. I want to have impactful meaning.

“The first thing I think of before I do anything is how do I make someone smile today. I do that with my content, and it changes people’s lives, and in between I want to go out into the community and see everything first-hand and see where I can get stuck in and help.

“Why wouldn’t you?

“From what I know I have got my health, I’ve got a roof over my head, a family who accepts me and loves me for who I am, and I’m happy. There’s a lot of people who don’t have that and who aren’t.

“There are people who are ill. There are people who are struggling, who can’t eat and who don’t have food in the cupboard, or a bed to sleep in, and I realise how lucky and privileged I am. So why wouldn’t you want to make a difference so more people can benefit from the things we sometimes take for granted?”

He adds: “This year I have the time and I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and do as much as I can.

“The Great North Run, the Abseil for Claire House, and more. And Lynne’s Big Bingo? That’s just going to be a lot of fun!”

Lynne’s Big Bingo is being held at The Oriel Bar, Water Street, Liverpool on Friday, June 19, at 7.30pm.