The Northern Quarter’s beloved image of David Bowie has been replaced...with a portrait of Sloth from cult film The Goonies.

The picture of Bowie has adorned The Outhouse, in Stephenson Square, since last April.

The tribute to the Thin White Duke, by French street artist Akse, has attracted hundreds of tourists and locals who have visited the area to snap a picture of the iconic work.

But another graffiti artist stepped up to paint over the portrait after Outhouse bosses decided it was time for a change.

Artist Qubek created a huge image of the character Sloth, from the popular 1980s children’s movie The Goonies.

Qubek said he was handed the ‘poison chalice’ when he was asked to paint over the Bowie image by bosses from the Outhouse Mcr project.

He said: “The Outhouse paintings are usually painted over in three months, but everyone loved the Bowie piece so it’s been there for 14 months.

“The guys from the Outhouse said it needs to go because the project is for artists to get some exposure.

“Nobody wanted to paint over it because it’s beautiful, but I said I’d do it.

“I decided to do something slightly reactionary to the piece underneath it.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

“I know Akse and he does really iconic figures. I was trying to think who was iconic for me. Someone I considered a hero.

“I just think The Goonies is the best film ever and Sloth is the best character in the film. I wanted it to be something a bit funny.”

Qubek completed his latest masterpiece in just under and hour-and-a-half in the pouring rain.

“I’m fully prepared for a backlash but I’m happy with it,” he added.

“I understand people loved the Bowie portrait, but it was never supposed to be there forever.

“I think there’s something interesting about grotesque imagery, so hopefully it will make people stop and think. It’s a complete change from what was there before.”