On the couch... tenor Paul Byrom
The Dublin-born tenor Paul Byrom released his first album when he was just 14. Since then, Paul has had six Number 1 records, starred in the show
Celtic Thunder, sung for Barack Obama and the Emperor of Japan and acted in Fair City. He plays the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood at The Helix from November 23
How much TV do you think you watch every week?
Some might say too much! I would watch it every evening from around 8pm ’til 11-ish, with a cuppa in hand.
Is there just too much good TV now to watch it all?
I certainly wouldn’t say that. I think there is a lot of ‘schedule llers’ on these days, but I must say there are some great television series at the moment too.
What are your unmissable shows right now?
I enjoy Living With Lucy – it always has good banter. The other show I rarely miss is Great British Bake O . No, my mother hasn’t hijacked this interview…
How nervous were you the first time you performed in Croke Park?
Very. I remember just as I was about to walk on the pitch, a man in a suit who worked there said, “I hope you know the bloody words.” That really put me at ease!
All-time favourite TV drama, comedy, soap, documentary and live TV event?
Drama has to be Game of Thrones, I think it’s such a fantastic series. Comedy would be The O ce (original UK version), which is great. Favourite soap is Fair City – because I was in it – and live TV event is the World Cup.
What huge watercooler show have you not seen?
I don’t even know what that is. Am I not in the loop? I often feel I’m not – today I’m certain of it.
Pitch us an idea for a musicbased reality TV show…
Oh, I have a few. Give me a call and we can discuss further!
Which song best captures the spirit of Christmas?
That’s a tough one, as the spirit of Christmas is di erent for many people. Therefore, I’m going to go with a song that just makes you feel warm and happy and festive. So it has to be White Christmas by Bing Crosby.
What Christmas carols did you like best as a child?
O Holy Night has to be the best one. Silent Night is a solid crowd-pleaser, too – everyone knows the words.
What’s your ideal Christmas Day telly line-up?
I know this might seem odd to some, but I don’t believe there is any need for television on Christmas Day. Surely it’s the one day in the year we can do without it, and enjoy the company we’re in (helped by wine). That said, a good family lm is always great for Christmas Day.