Gok Wan on his ‘love affair’ with Manchester as he gears up for special DJ show this weekend

There’s a certain special calibre of person who can have many hats to their name. Not only known throughout the country as a fashion expert, but also a chef, a writer and a television presenter, Gok Wan can certainly be described as one of those wearers of many a cap.

But it’s in his DJ career where Gok is currently shining the most. In fact, performing during Manchester Pride’s Queer Asian Takeover - a celebration of more than 22 performers and house collectives from across the pan-Asian community - last summer is something he regards as one of the most special moments to happen in his career in recent years.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Gok said: “Manchester Pride was absolutely incredible. I was lucky enough to be asked to DJ at the Queer Asian Takeover. It was wonderful playing out to a northern crowd who fully got behind the set, and were there for a celebration of our beautiful community.”

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Now, more than half a year later, Gok is returning for another headlining DJ slot in the city - in the form of his own Isolation Nation show. Being held at the O2 Ritz this Saturday (March 23), the afternoon-slash-evening evening event will feature a full-scale and immersive production celebrating love and dance music.

Asked what people can expect from a Gok Wan show, the How to Look Good Naked presenter explains: “I like to play an eclectic mix that moves around all the house genres - from funky house, to vocal, to disco and even some minimalistic house too.

“For me, DJing is about sharing my passion for dance music, and hopefully I involve the crowd so much that it feels like a performance as well as just a DJ playing