I HAVE A STREAM
EXCLUSIVE: WESTLIFE STAR BYRNE PLANS PODCAST PROJECT
Nicky to interview celebs as he moves on from DWTS role
HE is a member of one of the world’s most successful boybands, has presented a hit 2fm radio show and co-hosted Irish TV’s biggest extravaganza, Dancing with the Stars.
Now Nicky Byrne is set for a foray into the world of podcasting and has already interviewed his pals, Gary Barlow of Take That, dance superstar Michael Flatley and Sky Sports presenter Chris Kamara for his latest venture – all of whom he tasked with the challenge of pulling the perfect pint.
Although he is remaining tightlipped about the podcast, Nicky has posted videos of Barlow, Flatley and Kamara pouring pints of Guinness in the private bar at his family home in Malahide, Co. Dublin.
“Nicky is a good buddy and he’s starting his own podcast, so it’s nice to be on that,” Michael Flatley tells the Sunday World.
Gary Barlow dropped in to Nicky’s bar for a podcast chat and pulled his own pint of Guinness in between performances at Take That’s sold-out gigs in Dublin’s 3Arena last month.
A video shared by Nicky had the caption: “A fun afternoon. Thanks for stopping by & Besta luck tonight in Dublin Gaz!”
In January, Chris Kamara checked in. “In Dublin with me pal Nicky Byrne. After singing You Raise Me Up recently, I’ve got an audition for Westlife. Before you say it, we did let the Guinness settle before drinking,” the Sky Sports presenter said on social media.
Nicky shared a video of Kamara pulling his pint, but he forgets that it’s a two-stage pour. “One of the world’s best guys. A pleasure to have you over Kammy, a legend in every department, well, maybe except pulling a pint of Guinness, but we can work on that.”
CAREER
Kamara replied: “Yours was only half full Nicky. I was trying to squeeze a bit more in mine. Thanks for a fab day.”
Byrne was forced to pack in his broadcasting and TV roles since Westlife returned to world touring and became bigger than any other stage in their phenomenal career.
Announcing his departure from Dancing with the Stars in August 2022 , Nicky, who was later replaced by Doireann Garrihy, said: “A little news from me. Sadly, I will be stepping away from hosting ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on RTÉ.
“Westlife are now ten shows into our ‘Wild Dreams’ tour. We had two phenomenal nights at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium followed by a mind blowing show at Wembley Stadium and two absolutely sensational nights at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
“This tour continues now taking us around the world including five continents with 60 plus shows up until Summer 2023. So with all this in mind, I have had to make some tough decisions. One of them is my future hosting ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on RTÉ – a show I have loved hosting from the very beginning.
MEMORIES
“It’s been a brilliant five seasons since we launched in 2017, working with the best crew in the world. I have smiled and laughed my way through those 59 shows to date and what a journey it’s been. I take away the greatest memories.”
The Westlife performers are continuing to make multi-millions every year selling out shows everywhere from South East Asia to China, South Africa and even in America.
Lord of the Dance supremo Michael Flatley went to see his friend Nicky and Westlife perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall in March with his wife, Niamh, and son, Michael James.
“I’m great mates with them and I really enjoyed the experience,” Michael reveals.
“My wife loves their music, my son as well, we all do. I think they make you feel proud to be Irish. Every song is a hit and they are really good looking, clean-cut family men. You couldn’t be more proud of them.
“They are so talented, but you know what too, they are really nice guys. They love Ireland and everything Irish and they are proud to be Irish, and that works for me.”
‘It’s been a brilliant five seasons, I take away the greatest memories’