Former X Factor contestant Marlon McKenzie has criticised B&M after finding all the chocolate in a Manchester store had melted during the summer heatwave. The 43-year-old, who appeared on the show in 2005, 2008 and 2010, visited the Burnage branch on July 10 with a friend and his daughter, craving chocolate.
'Transported to hell'
Upon entering, McKenzie was hit by intense heat. “Instantly, it was like being transported straight to hell,” he said. “It was scorching hot and I couldn’t bear to be in there for more than 10 minutes. I was beading with sweat and wiping my brow constantly as it was so unbearable.”
The chocolate aisle was particularly shocking, with bars completely melted. “Once I saw the chocolate, which was flopping down on the shelf, I was shocked. The bars were practically folding in half,” he added.
Video shows melted chocolate
McKenzie filmed the scene, showing himself wiping his forehead and squeezing packs of KitKats, Cadbury’s Marvellous Creations and Cadbury and More Biscoff that squashed easily. “I’ve just stepped foot in here and I’m f*****g melting,” he said in the clip. “I’ve actually come all the way to B&M purposefully to get chocolate bars – but this is ridiculous.”
Temperatures in the area reached 30C that day. Although air conditioning was running, McKenzie noted no shop workers were on the floor, and customers were flustered. He picked the least damaged chocolate bars and left.
Social media reaction
Users commented on the video, with one joking, “Didn’t you know? B&M stands for Burn & Melt.” A B&M employee said their store was fine with air conditioning. Morrisons joined in, posting “Average B&M experience” with a SpongeBob image. McKenzie returned days later to find the chocolate section cleared.
B&M response
A B&M spokesperson said: “During periods of exceptionally warm weather, we closely monitor conditions across our stores, regularly check temperatures, and continue to invest in air conditioning and additional cooling measures to help maintain product quality. As always, any product that does not meet our strict quality standards is removed from sale. We are also taking practical steps to support our colleagues, including more frequent breaks and additional cooling measures, to help keep store teams as comfortable as possible.”
