THE boss of Bolton bakers Greenhalgh's is in discussions to star in his own TV show — after a memorable appearance on a popular programme.

David Smart, who has gone from an apprentice to managing director in his 39 years at the company, made an impassioned defence of bread and promoted the craft bakery in an interview with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on ITV's This Morning.

The 58-year-old was featured in a discussion about whether people can eat bread and stay slim, and how bakeries such as Greenhalgh's are faring with a perception that people are avoiding bread.

But Mr Smart captivated both the presenters and the viewers with his defence of bread, saying that craft bakeries are the future, and claiming that supermarkets are churning out substandard produce.

After the interview had finished, Holly and Phil said: "I love him! You are amazing. You'll be back!"

Following his TV appearance which went viral, Mr Smart was approached by a TV production company and has had initial discussions for a possible show about him and the bakery. He is also due to appear on This Morning again in the next few weeks.

Mr Smart said: "I was invited on to speak about how people are falling out of favour sandwiches with white square bread, which is because supermarkets churning out cheap products which are heavily manufactured.

"The supermarkets have the lion's share of the bread market, and they have made a mess of it. That's why I had to speak out and speak about craft bakeries.

"It is good to have the opportunity to speak up and tell people about the wonderful trade and career that I have been involved in for 39 years.

"We are bucking the trend, people are looking for quality and that is what we aim to deliver."

Mr Smart is also chairman of Bolton Little Theatre and performs in amateur dramatics, and admits that his theatrical experience added to his TV display.

He said: "That was probably an important part of it. I recently appeared as Falstaff in the Merry Wives of Windsor, which was a big part, so I know how to tread the boards."

The TV hit comes at an important time for the firm, with Greenhalgh's investing £500,000 in new equipment and technology at its Lostock base.

It also won an award for innovation at the Sammies Awards held in London, for its new beef, rocket, dill and horseradish mayonnaise sandwich, which is on a pretzel croissant.