On the couch.... with singer Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas is from Walkinstown in Dublin. He has been performing since his teens and been lead singer with The Swing Cats for the last eight years, performing for Micheal D Higgins, appeared on The Late Late Show and will feature on a TV special with Twink and Paul Harrington later in the year. Luke and the band are on tour with their new show in March and April
How much TV do you think you watch every week?
A few hours a day, so a fair bit a week – especially at this time of the year. There are so many good-quality shows available right now.
How did it feel to play The Late Late Show?
It was amazing. The Late Late is part of Irish life and still the biggest show on Irish TV. And the reaction was unbelievable. Our performance was prerecorded earlier that day so when it went out we were on stage in Wicklow – I couldn’t get over the messages and texts we received after wards.
Who controls the remote in your house?
Me! It’s just a natural thing now; the girlfriend doesn’t stand a chance.
Are you a “telly on, laptop on the knees and phone for tweeting” over-load kind of person?
I used to be but since my baby girl Heidi was born last month those days are over. If I can get the time, I like to actually switch o and concentrate on one thing.
Your music wouldn’t sound out of place on gangster drama Boardwalk Empire. Would you like to be offered a part in a show like that?
Absolutely, I would love to take up acting seriously one day, particularly after screen-testing in front of Jim Sheridan for the Phil Lynott movie last year. I’m still waiting for my callback…
Are there any genres of TV you just can’t abide?
That particular style of reality show that is actually scripted – I can’t stand them! I’m talking about Geordie Shoreand TOWIE- style shows. I would never waste my time watching that stu .
What shows do you watch the old-fashioned way, i.e. once a week at a particular time?
There are a few I like to catch when I can, like Home of the Year or MasterChef. Mainly mid-week shows as I work most weekends.
Tell us about the TV special with Paul Harrington and Twink.
This is actually our second special; we lmed our rst with the great Phil Coulter and Paddy Cole and really wanted another Irish showbiz legend for this one. We were delighted when both Adele ( Twink) and Paul agreed. Who knows? By the end of the year I might be hosting my own variety show!
What huge watercooler show have you not seen?
Dirty John on Net ix and RTÉ’s production The Resistance – I have them on my list.
Would you like to follow in Twink and Paul’s footsteps, and represent Ireland in Eurovision?
Yes, 100%. I have actually submitted songs for the last two years. Hopefully, one day I will get the opportunity.
Luke and the band tour their new show, The Story of Swing, across Ireland in March and April. See theswingcats.ie for more