Charlie Matthews's love story begins in a pebble-dashed house in suburban Bolton, at a time when most little boys want to grow up to be Michael Jackson, and girls want to be Princess Diana.

Remembering the Green Cross Code and getting out of football are the most important things in his life, until... On his ninth birthday, Auntie Jan gives him a gift that will last a lifetime: a seven-inch single called 'Lucky Star'. He discovers Madonna – and falls in love.

Casting the pop icon in the role of his spirit guide, Charlie draws on Madonna's audacity and ambition to help him find the courage to overcome his own obstacles and become a success in life. His obsession sees him through some tough times, but in order to be truly happy, he'll need to find his own inner strength...



Born in Bury and raised in Bolton, Matt Cain was Channel 4's first culture editor and the editor of Attitude magazine. He has written widely for the national press and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, Today, Front Row and Woman's Hour.

He is an ambassador for Manchester Pride and a patron of LGBT+ History Month, in 2025 he received an MBE for service to LGBTQ+ culture. In 2021 he received an honorary doctorate from Bolton University and in 2023 he addressed the Cambridge Union. 

He is the author of seven novels including The Madonna of Bolton.



'Matt Cain writes gay love stories that are universally uplifting, inspiring and utterly riveting'



'Sharply and beautifully drawn'



'A trip down memory lane around the glorious streets of Bolton – a novel with a heart as big as Moss Bank Park'



'An uplifting and nostalgic gem of a novel'



'This book made us laugh and cry, and entertains from start to finish'



'A joyful tale that will move you to laughter and cheers'



'Matt Cain writes with joy, strength, truth and such a good heart'



'Shades of Billy Elliot colour this sequinned, unrepentantly Eighties tale of coming-of-age and finding your own voice'