5 THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Boyzone singer SHANE LYNCH, 42, lives in Surrey with his wife Sheena and their daughters Billie Rae, 10, and six-year-old Marley Mae
1 THE CHASE
Everything stops for me at 5pm during the week as I am absolutely addicted to The Chase, with Bradley Walsh.
Sheena and the girls know that’s the time when I’ll be shouting at the television and they tend to disappear. However sometimes they’ll sit down and watch it with me, which I love.
If I’m touring I always try to get back to my hotel room in time to catch a few minutes. I don’t know why but I’ve always loved quiz shows and I find them strangely relaxing.
2 RED WINE
When I first joined Boyzone I barely drank but when the band was being wined and dined 20 years ago, I discovered the joys of a really good red wine.
It’s still something I enjoy today. Usually I’ll go for a generous glass of Merlot, although at the moment I am really into lighter Californian reds as well.
If there is a nice cheese plate on offer too, that really is the icing on the cake. I enjoy drinking red wine all year round but when it’s really hot I don’t think there’s anything that can beat an ice-cold bottle of lager.
3 CARS
Although I am incredibly grateful to have had my wonderful career with Boyzone, my first passion was definitely motors rather than music.
I passed my driving test on my 17th birthday and I have loved cars ever since.
As the only boy growing up with five sisters, I think I must have unconsciously felt a desire to assert my masculinity.
When the girls were doing singing and dancing classes, I was always busy competing in car races or helping my dad, who was a mechanic, in his garage.
I have competed in various motor sport events over the years but recently focused on drifting, which involves a lot of sideways slides.
Away from the track, I collect cars and each new vehicle brings me an incredible amount of pleasure.
4 CAMPING
Every now and then I have to escape and find some space and solitude.
I take off on my own for a while and find a deserted spot to camp outside.
Unless it’s freezing, I don’t even bother taking a tent to sleep in as I love the idea of it just being me and the great outdoors.
In another life I think I’d have been a survivalist. Something inside me craves being at the mercy of the elements and being cut off from the modern world. In fact, I’ve always dreamt of moving to the wilds of Alaska. Unfortunately, however, Sheena won’t hear a word of it.
5 MUSIC
I am very proud of my last album with Boyzone as I think it reflects my own personal touch more than anything else we have ever produced. Working with the other lads for the past 25 years has been an absolute blast but now it’s time for me to start a new chapter in my life, and I really hope that will still involve music.
I would love the chance to develop my own musical style further and make my own mark.
● Boyzone’s latest and final album Thank You & Goodnight is out now on East West. For tickets to see them on tour go to bookings direct.com.