On The Cover There’s More To Life Than Work! Jane McDonald
The lockdown and travel ban convinced Jane McDonald that her decision to step back from cruising was the right one…
Jane McDonald has enjoyed the kind of jet-set lifestyle that most of us can only dream of. The northern songstress and TV presenter has spent years living out of a suitcase, most recently exploring bucket list destinations for her popular Channel 5 travelogues.
So when she announced in February that she was quitting the BAFTA-winning Cruising With Jane McDonald, and Holidaying, it took many people by surprise. Surely TV gigs don’t get much better than these?
The reality, though, was different. After more than four years on the road, Jane was burned out.
“I got to that point where I knew I had to stop. I’m not one to slow down, so the fact that I was even thinking about it… I knew it was time!” laughs Jane (57). “The places I’ve been to and the things
I’ve done are just incredible. I had the best time and it’s been a privilege to call it a job, it really has.
“But I didn’t want to lose that joy of travel. I never wanted to get to the point where I thought, OhGod, we’ re going on another cruise, which could well have happened. The truth is, I was spreading myself too thin.”
Jane has been in lockdown since mid-March in the West Yorkshire home she shares with her fiancé, Eddie Rothe, the former drummer with 1960s band The Searchers. Though she admits the coronavirus pandemic has caused everyone much worry, the enforced period of rest has allowed her to think about what she wants to do next – and has confirmed she made the right decision to quit.
“With such awfulness going on, I’ve realised there’s more to life than work,” she confides. “That said, I’m definitely not going to be retiring – I’ve always got something in the pipeline. I just want to try different TV and music projects, things that don’t involve travel.
“It took me a while to slow down mentally, but now I’m writing music again. I’ve just finished writing a song, which I’ll be performing on my Let TheLightIn tour, which hopefully should still be happening later this year.”
Though she’s already moving on, Jane’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief – she’ll be on our screens for one last series of Cruising later this year. And she’ll be back on Channel 5 later in the year with a new series of Jane& Friends. Reminiscent of ’70s variety shows, each week she performs with a live band and guest stars – celebrities like Joe McElderry, Hue & Cry, Carol Decker and Collabro, as well as the cast of hit musical MammaMia!
As part of her bid to slow down it’s Jane’s final outing on the feelgood show too but she says it’s the best.
“It’s got glamour, it’s got glitz, it’s got tears, laughs, surprises, massive giveaways. I mean, this is what the nation needs right now! I hope everybody tunes in because it’s a right good sing-song – and singing is good for the soul,” she says. “I love filming Jane&Friends. It’s my ultimate. Entertaining is what I do; it’s what I’ve trained all my life to do.”
Jane&Friends will not be renewed after Jane’s departure, but Cruising and Holidaying will – with Scottish comedian and presenter Susan Calman at the helm. Jane says she couldn’t have picked a better successor.
“I’m Susan Calman’s greatest fan. She’s such a funny woman. I’m thrilled it’s going to carry on. It’s her adventure now. I’ll enjoy watching at home with Eddie.”
After years of manic work schedules, Jane and Eddie are now enjoying quality time. They had planned a long holiday before coronavirus put paid to their plans, and Jane says they’re looking forward to jetting off as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.
The couple have been engaged for approaching 12 years, but haven’t been in a rush to head down the aisle, with Jane quipping “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. She’s also cited work commitments as the reason they haven’t organised their big day yet, so could that change now she has more free time?
“You’re right, I do have the time, so it might be something I think about. It was always on the back-burner before.
“But it’s been so long that I’ll have to ask him and see whether he still wants to do it!” She laughs.
JANE&FRIENDS WILL BE COMING TO CHANNEL 5 LATER IN THE YEAR.
“The truth is, I was spreading myself too thin. I knew I had to stop”