MY LIFE DANIEL O’DONNELL

Irish singer, TV presenter and philanthropist Daniel O’Donnell released his latest album, Daniel, yesterday and is due to appear at Aberdeen Music Hall on Saturday October 23 2021

First record bought? Amazing Grace by The Scots Guards.

Book that changed your life? The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

First job?

Working in the Cope shop in Kincasslagh. This is a grocery store, but it sold coal, cement, oil, nails. I did everything from sweeping the floor to working on the tills.

Most expensive purchase?

After my wife finished her cancer treatment we went on a world cruise.

Favourite time of day?

Morning, especially in the summer when the weather is better. It’s lovely to hear the dawn chorus.

Last time you cried?

At a family bereavement.

Worst fashion faux pas?

I really can’t think of anything, sorry.

Favourite holiday destination?

Tenerife. I’ve been going there for more than 20 years and it’s where I met my wife. It’s like home from home for us.

Ideal of holiday hell?

A bus tour. When we tour doing our shows we travel by bus a lot so I wouldn’t want a holiday like that.

Biggest phobia?

Rats!

What are you watching on TV?

The South Westerlies.

Favourite movie? The Sound of Music.

How do you relax?

By playing bridge and golf.

Best advice you have been given?

Treat everyone you meet as you’d like to be treated yourself.

Who you last spoke to on the phone?

My wife, Majella.

First thing you did this morning?

Video called our grandchildren before they went to creche and school. I do this most mornings.

Worst mistake?

Not working harder at school.

Your inspiration?

My mother, she was a very strong woman.

Would like to meet? Queen Elizabeth.

Childhood crush? Olivia Newton John.

Quirky habits?

Eating chocolate and crisps together.

Worst meal?

For me it’s a pizza. I don’t like cheese.

What makes you laugh? A good story.

Most embarrassing moment?

At the end of one show, a man on crutches made his way to the stage and I reached out to shake his hand. As he reached out to shake my hand his crutches fell then he fell. When we eventually got him back up on his feet it turned out he wasn’t coming to shake my hand but trying to go to the toilet...

Sean Connery or Daniel Craig?

Pierce Brosnan for me.

Beauty is...? On the inside.

The Sound of Music is Daniel’s favourite film.