Hello and welcome to your Thursday afternoon instalment of the ECHO's new 'Our Liverpool' feature.
In this twice daily round-up, we'll be showcasing some of the best ECHO content, as well as many of the major talking points on Merseyside. The end to the January blues is finally in sight as we approach the final weekend of the month.
Bright and sunny conditions have arrived on Thursday as many will be quickly approaching a much needed first payday since Christmas. To reflect the positive spirit, I have selected a round up of some of the cheeriest talking points on Merseyside this afternoon.
X Factor star on the road to recovery
The round-up starts on former X Factor star Christopher Maloney, who has vowed to bounce back after two years out of the spotlight. The Kirkdale singer has endured a turbulent period, which started after he became violently ill following a dodgy crispy duck pancake from a Chinese takeaway. You can read the full story here.
Brookside fever returns
People across Merseyside have been excited to find out Brookside will be returning to our screens. It will now be possible to stream the soap from the start for the first time ever after STV Player struck a major new deal with distributor, All3Media International.
ECHO's James McNeill spoke to a show super-fan and members of the newsroom are conducting interviews with people involved in the show, which will be available to read over the coming days.
A look back at the "Scousescraper"
Nostalgia reporter, Lee Grimsditch, has looked back at the city's whimsical plans to build a 1,000ft tower on the world-famous waterfront. Predominantly leisure based, the ECHO reported the proposed tower was to contain a theme park with "Disney-style" rides, a tropical jungle stretching up 30 floors and a gigantic waterfall. In addition, a five star hotel would be incorporated containing 2,500 bedrooms. The plans were rejected in 2002. You can read the full article here.
And finally... not all crispy duck pancakes are bad
Christopher Maloney has today documented his bad experience after having a crispy duck pancake. However, ECHO readers have been flocking to praise a fakeaway version of the meal from Aldi priced at £6.49. You can read the full range of people swooning over the product here.
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Aldi fans 'won't get a takeaway again' after trying £6.49 product
Highway Code rule means common gesture could result in £1,000 fine
UK bank says it will give people £200 each for free
DWP to give millions of eligible people up to £1,506 a month
Christine Lampard back on Loose Women after husband Frank sacked from Everton
