Yes, you can hire ALED JONES for your wedding or funeral!

Forty years after the Welsh singer found fame singing his iconic hit Walking In The Air, he continues to count his blessings as a celebrant, broadcaster and author

- By Karen Rockett

CHILD STARDOM can be, for many, a burden instead of a blessing. Once the cherubic looks and cute charm fade, so too can the abundant work opportunities. Not so for Welsh singer Aled Jones. Some 40 years after the boy with the “angelic” voice delighted the world with his spine-tingling rendition of Walking In The Air, he remains as busy as ever.

Now a 54-year-old happily married father-of-two, Aled has enjoyed an extraordinary and varied career over the past four decades, singing for both the Pope and the Royal Family.

From recording artist, TV and radio presenter to author and recent certified celebrant, more of which to follow, is there no end to this Welsh warbler’s wizardry?

“It was my radio dad Terry Wogan who told me the secret of enduring success was to spread yourself thinly,” he chuckles. “That way it’s harder for people to get rid of you.”

We're talking as Aled takes a break from rehearsals for the West End Christmas favourite Elf: The Musical in which he plays Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s father. He is learning to tap dance, adding another string to his already full bow of talents.

“The dancing is really hard,” he admits.

“I’m 54 now — but I’ve got another couple of weeks or so before we open!”

He’s clearly delighted to be back on stage. His last West End show was five years ago.

“That was White Christmas and I had about 13 or 14 songs to sing, so it’s great not to be the lead and have all that pressure of carrying the show,” he smiles.

“I am enjoying being back in the theatre immensely, but if I had to choose my favourite thing in my career, it would definitely be the singing, unquestionably. Music has always been my greatest pleasure.”

Aled has released more than 40 albums with over 10 million sales.

To date he has more than 40 Silver, Gold and Platinum Discs to his name.