MY TV LIFE

Daniel, 58, is an Irish singer who has had a different album in the British charts every year for 32 consecutive years

What was your first TV memory?

I remember getting up late at night to watch Muhammad Ali boxing and by the time I’d reached the kitchen it was already over. I was really small, so it might have been against Sonny Liston. Ali was a huge figure. Everybody seemed to love him. I should remember cartoons I suppose but Celtic winning the Scottish cup is my other great memory.

What was your first TV appearance?

On Good Evening Ulster with Gloria Hunniford. She chatted to me and then I sang a song.

Who was your first TV crush?

It was Helen Madden who played a school teacher called Miss Helen in a show called Romper Room on UTV. I used to watch it with my grandmother. Many men my age go misty-eyed when you mention her.

What is your favourite current show?

I love The Chase. I’m addicted to it. It’s fantastic; so funny and Bradley is just super. I don’t think I’d do the celebrity version – I haven’t got the head for it. I’m not that quick off the draw. I’d be better on Tipping Point.

Which TV show would you take to a desert island?

I loved Downton Abbey but there wouldn’t be enough episodes to sustain me, so Coronation Street would be a better bet. I’ve always enjoyed it and it would be wonderful to see all those great old characters again – Uncle Albert, Elsie Tanner, Ena Sharples... Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie, was such an attractive woman. And Ena was so sharp. Stan Ogden, Ivy Tilsley... marvellous.

What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?

I’m not a great lover of cooking shows. I know I’m in a minority, but I have no interest in them. There are loads of them and they all seem to be on at the same time. If one is on and you change channels to escape you can be sure there will be three or four others.

Guiltiest TV pleasure?

Home renovation programmes. I particularly enjoy Grand Designs and the drama of DIY SOS.

What are you up to at the moment?

I have a new album coming out, recorded prior to lockdown and I’m hoping to do a live streaming show on November 1 so I can give all of the money to the band and the crew who haven’t worked since March. All the details are on my website danielodonnell.org

Daniel O’donnell’s latest album, Daniel (DMGTV), is out now.