'Three times I was in Bowie's presence and I was too starstruck to talk to him'

PARENTHOOD doesn't get easier in his view. “You realise after five that they are all completely different with their own foibles and challenges. I still haven’t cracked it. I’m conscious of not interfering. My eldest has two kids now and I love being a grandad. I’m very happy when I spend time with them.”

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He met his wife Sarah in 2005 in the boarding queue at Stansted Airport. They were en route to the same party in Ireland.

“I was her lift from Cork Airport,” he smiles. “After the party, we ended up walking on Red Strand Beach at 2am in the morning. She has a great sense of humour and sussed me out early on.