Forget Tudors, Fr Ted keeps Maria in spotlight

SHE’S starred in The Commitments, Downton Abbey and The Tudors, as well as enjoying a successful music career.

But Maria Doyle Kennedy says the role she’s most recognised for was a one-off appearance in Fr Ted 16 years ago.

The role still sees her stopped on the street by fans of the show. In it, she played the assistant of boyish Daniel O’Donnell-type singer Eoin McLove.

She said: ‘It’s the only thing that I’ve ever done that my family are proud of me for doing. I think more people in the world have seen Fr Ted than anything else.’

She also has fond memories of working with the show’s star Dermot Morgan: ‘He was great; he was hilarious and he worked really hard.’

Maria plays Dublin’s Sugar Club on May 29. Her album Maria Live is out now