My cars radiator has started to leak badly, its coming from the middle and is dripping from the front side of the rad as i cant see it from the back.

Having inspected the radiator it seems its either had a crash at some point, or the radiator has just deformed. The bottom edge in the middle has been effectively folded back on itself

I cant believe its not leaked in the year ive owned the car as ive not hit anything to damage it

Im guessing new radiator is whole front end off job?
Any brands to avoid?

Advice appreciated

Yes front off, no, no brands to avoid, even cheap ones last ten years, so just get a cheap one.

Does slam panel come off as well?

assuming ac rad stays in place suspended with some string or something 

euros sell EIS branded rads but will they all have the correct clip fittings for the hoses? they seem awfully cheap at £30