‘I'm Never Going To Retire!'

As Michael Ball approaches his 56th birthday in June, the musical-theatre legend reveals how off-stage life with partner Cathy McGowan is far removed from his glitzy, onstage persona – and why he’ll never tire of performing…

- Hayley Minn

Michael Ball has been performing lead roles in the West End since 1985, when he starred as Marius in the original London production of Les Misérables.

Now, over 30 years later, starring in Chess six nights a week and with two number one albums under his belt with Alfie Boe, the 55-yearold legend of musical theatre has no plans to retire.

‘No-one in this business retires – the phone just rings less. Or it doesn’t. It could all just kick off again. The thing about this business is you never know what’s around the corner. You never know what the next project is going to be, and you never know how that’s going to go down.’

And why should Michael need to retire? He’s still managing to keep up with his younger Chess co-stars, including Alexandra Burke.

‘We’re working every hour God sends, six days a week, and I’m still doing my BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday, so I’m not having a day off until 6 June… I don’t think the younger ones can keep up with my schedule, actually!’ Michael jokes. ‘I’m doing my best to totter along, as long as I’ve got my Zimmer frame.’

In stark contrast to his showbiz life, Michael tells us his life at home with partner Cathy McGowan is far more laid-back, and he really makes the most of time off.

‘My spare time is really chilled and mundane. I love sitting on the sofa with my dogs and my old lady, watching box sets on telly and cooking.