‘I'd love to be IN CORRIE!'

Treasured Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell reveals the passions in his life

- JORDAN PARAMOR

Daniel O’Donnell is widely known for being one of the nicest men in show business, and he didn’t disappoint when we caught up with the softly spoken Irish singer for an exclusive interview. He’s currently touring the country and recently released a new album, simply called Daniel, so it’s been a busy time for the 59-year-old.

Not surprisingly, he is thrilled to be back on the road after 18 months away due to the COVID-19 crisis. ‘It’s such a joy to be performing again,’ he smiles. ‘Even the rehearsals were great. I love touring and singing live so much. A couple of weeks ago I was able to record a TV show in Ireland with 20 to 30 people in the audience and it honestly felt like there were 20,000 people there. Just to have that atmosphere felt super.’ Daniel lives in County Donegal with his wife of 19 years, Majella McLennan, 61. He is stepfather to her two children from her first marriage, Siobhan and Michael, and step-grandfather to Siobhan’s two children, Olivia, six, and Archie, three.

Does he miss his family when he’s on the road? ‘I’m lucky that I’m never away for too long and I get more time at home than most people,’ he says. ‘Majella and I are together 24/7 and we never tire of each other. Majella’s mother lives with us, too, so it was just then three of us together for lockdown. But when things opened up again, the grandchildren were able to come and see us, whichwas wonderful.’