On the couch with Fair City actor and pantomime star George McMahon

Dubliner George McMahon’s rst big role was in children’s show Custer’s Last Stand-up, but he became famous as Mondo in Fair City, a part he’s played on-and-o for 16 years. He is in the pantomime Sleeping Beauty in Wexford and in Killarney this year.

How much TV do you think you watch every week?

Our TV habits are quite varied during the week. Apart from catching up on Fair City, we also try to watch one episode each night of whatever Net ix series we’re currently on.

Do you have a favourite Christmas episode of a TV show?

There’s no better episode of television than ‘ A Very Christmassy Ted’. Every episode of Father Ted gets more watchable every time I see them.

Is there just too much good TV now to watch it all?

Yep, it feels like there’s just so much to get through. I’m so busy watching the shows that are trending now, I still haven’t gotten to watch The Sopranos, which has been ‘next on the list’ for years now.

What box-set would you most like Santa to leave under the tree?

Another critically acclaimed show, The Wire. I haven’t seen any of this either and after The Sopranos, it’s next on the list.

Are you a “telly on, laptop on the knees and phone for tweeting” over-load kind of person?

I used to be obsessed with livetweeting whatever I’m watching, but I’ve been trying to use my phone less so I try to keep it out of my hands.

What are your unmissable shows right now?

The Irish Gogglebox is brilliant. The families are hilarious.

How did you deal with becoming famous at such a young age?

I think because I was young, it didn’t really faze me, so I didn’t think much of it at the time.

What show would you like a cameo in?

I’m a huge fan of ITV’s Unforgotten. Each series follows historical cold cases and it’s a whodunit that keeps you guessing ’till the end. I’d love to play a small part it in some day.

Are there any genres of TV you just can’t abide?

Celebrity dating shows and any programme involving islands.

Why are soaps so miserable around Christmas-time!

Christmas isn’t that joyful for many people. Maybe, sad times played out on soaps are a gentle reminder that not everyone is having a ball at that time.

George McMahon is in the touring pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the National Opera House in Wexford, from December 27 to 30, and INEC Killarney from January 3 to 5. See nationaloperahouse.ie and inec.ie