A TikTok reviewer who has gained viral fame for his tongue-in-cheek assessments of towns across Greater Manchester has plenty of praise for Oldham in a surprising review.
The social media star, who goes by the name Bigste3429 on TikTok, has more than 70,000 followers with some of his videos reaching hundreds of thousands of views.
While 'Bigste' has slammed many towns across the region, calling Radcliffe "a hellhole", Old Trafford a "cesspit dungeon", Prestwich's Longfield Centre "the land that time forgot", and said he'd rather "spend my honeymoon in Somalia" than visit Middleton again, his review on Oldham town centre is far more complimentary.
Fans of the TikTok reviewer say it's the "best review Oldham ever had".
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Kicking off his review, Bigste starts by saying he's in Oldham, "or as I call it, 'Brodham'", in reference to what he later claims is because Oldhamers "starts their sentence here with 'basically, what it is bro...'"
At Spindles Shopping Centre he was impressed by the selection of shops, saying: "It's better than Ashton, it's better than Hyde, because it's actually got some shops that you've heard of - like Next."
He then swung by the derelict and abandoned Snipe Inn pub on Henshaw Street, which he said got his "hopes up" for a pub being open, but turned to praise the nearby Greggs Outlet, albeit saying it sells "old pasties" with "hillbillys" hanging outside.
His review continued: "It has got a Primark to be fair and a few other shops.
"It's got a Spoons, got loads of banks, got a KFC, it's got a Subway, it's got a McDonald's, there's absolutely nothing here that bothers me in the slightest.
"Got another boozer here with a defib on the wall.
"It's even got a cinema."
Finally delivering his conclusion on the town centre, Bigste said: "All these [people] saying to come to Oldham, come to Oldham - there's absolutely nothing wrong with Oldham at all.
"I'd happily come out around here and have a pint any time.
"So, verdict on Oldham - basically, Hyde, Longsight and Ashton make Oldham look like Las Vegas strip."
The video at the time of writing has accumulated more than 265,000 views and hundreds of comments from residents, calling it the "happiest Oldham experience" while others agreed that it is "better than Manchester".
A woman said: "After watching your other ones, I kind of appreciate Oldham now."
Others said Oldham was the "best" in the 90s for its nightlife and shopping while some said it's great for food.
A man said: "At least Oldham still has development and a bit of character. I live in Ashton which is an absolute husk."
Warning: Video contains strong language
@bigste3429 #oldham #costofliving #humor #manchesterunited #manchesterunitedfans #uktowns #manchester #ontour #greatermanchester ♬ original sound - Bigste3429
Another comment read: "Oldham is actually better than I initially thought."
Another wrote: "Oldham really isn't that bad compared to the last bunch of places", to which Bigste replied: "My thoughts exactly but people on here raving on like it's a war zone, it's not even bad."
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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