The former professional boxer has turned his hand to songwriting and singing, as well as hosting the twice daily Shinny Show Live on social media, where he speaks openly about his own life and struggles, including addiction and anxiety. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, James, who now lives in Cyprus, said: “My life has changed dramatically. I live out of the country, I’m in a great relationship and my life has gone full circle from drugs and alcohol to very successful through social media.

And it has been supported from local celebs including former Shameless stars Jody Latham and Tina Malone and Happy Mondays star Bez who all feature in the video along with former Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actress Saira Choudhry, former Waterloo Road actor Will Rush, model Maddie Morgan and Salford DJ Mike Sweeney. During the Q and A at the film premiere, the subject of the 'upside of addiction' came to light. SHINNy is certain that an addictive personality can be a huge positive, if channelled in the right direction. "It [addiction] can manifest itself in other areas. It drives you and boosts the ego."He’s recognised daily for his ground-breaking work in helping people face their demons due to the frank and honest approach he takes to facing his own addiction. He’s also lived an incredible life and I’m hugely excited to be able to put that into film.” Fellow Salfordian Darren Cleary also chalked up a points victory on the Calzaghe undercard, beating Neil Marston 40-37 over four rounds. Returning to boxing for the first time in more than six years, the 35-year-old is open about his battles with drug addiction – and how the possibility of never seeing his children again finally forced him to clean up his act.

Now three years sober, James has turned to meditation and spirituality to help his recovery. As well as supporting several weekly Alcohol Anonymous groups, he is also writing a book, set to be published next summer, in which he will open up about the true story behind his recovery. He said: "I was finding my feet a bit in the first round and getting used to it again but after that I was trying to get at him. He kept holding which made it difficult to land any telling punches.He’s keen to talk about the help that he’s had along the way. Recovery fellowships and meetings have played a big part – and music too. A Salford dad-of-five who suffered almost a lifetime of addiction has told how his obsessive behaviour started -with vinegar. Zaylor for #XmasNo1? The A-list duo may have thrown in a late contender for the festive top spot without even realising it with their new collaboration. Released ahead of the new Fifty Shades Darker film, can each of the singer's enormous fanbases propel this to the top?

IT'S a case of one down and many more to go for James 'Shinny' Davenport after his victorious return to the ring. Between them a script was produced for a semi-autobiographical piece The Making of an Addict. Earlier in the year, we attended the filming and screening of the trailer. The film's teaser had similarities with kitchen-sink dramas of the sixties and seventies and drew comparisons with Kes.CHRIS GREEN MAKES NEW SALFORD FILM BASED ON SHINNY’S LIFE AND ADDICTION - Salford Star - with attitude & love xxx