BBC RADIO 2: LOVE SONGS WITH MICHAEL BALL
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
“There’s not a whisper of a snowflake about Ball, who oozes enthusiasm when revealing that the rights to The Empire have been bought for a six-part TV series and an ‘amazing writer’ is on board. Ball will be an executive producer and says he might do a cameo in the series, but won’t play a major role. In the meantime, he hopes to write a third novel around The Empire.”
The Irish News. November 12, 2024
Such exciting news for Michael. He has so much to look forward to, and he must be exhilarated. His new book just came out. His new CD with Alfie just debuted, reaching #1, and they’re preparing for a tour. Then it’s off to Australia and a return to playing Javert in LES MIS. So what will follow as summer 2025 approaches? Will he be working on the TV series of his books? Is there a return to the West End somewhere in his future? Another solo tour? And will he be writing the 3rd installment of his fiction series throughout all this activity?
“Hello, my lovelies. Welcome to LOVE SONGS WITH MICHAEL BALL, where everyone who appears on the show is a star. Go and get the kettle on. You’ve got me for the next 2 hours, and I hope you had a lovely week. I’ve had a mad week up and down the country. Celebrating my dad’s 90th birthday. Family all got together for a surprise lunch for him, and it was amazing. Dad, if you’re listening, I love you so, so much.” Michael’s relationship with his dad – with his entire family, for that matter – touches my heart. He is a very lucky man. But then, maybe luck has nothing to do with it. It’s how you treat each other that matters, and this is a loving family.
Michael speaks with Pete on the Love Line who proclaims he’s not very romantic. Tomorrow it will be 30 years since he had his first official date with Louise, his wife, but 4 years earlier they met while standing in line for the first day of medical school. Pete admits Louise was his first ‘snog’ at University, which sets off Michael’s giggles. “Ohhh, there’s nothing better than your first snog!” Michael says as laughter consumes him. “Did you not then start going out with each other?” he continues. “No, we—-“ Michael interrupts, “What a disastrous snog! You’re kidding me!” Pete replies, “We were seeing other people.” On their first date, when they got to the cinema, Pete realized he’d forgotten his wallet. Michael again laughs, “Oh, that old chestnut.” Louise ended up having to pay for everything. “I was mortified,” Peter says. “It was awful, but it was just an accident.” Michael chuckles, “And you’ve been paying for it ever since!” They ended up getting married on a beach in Jamaica, an all-inclusive vacation so Pete didn’t have to worry about having his wallet, as Michael so humorously points out. Ultimately, the non-romantic Pete states his love and devotion to Louise in such a sweet way. This is a great segment, full of laughter and sarcasm and wit. Great job, Michael.
Michael congratulates Paddy McGinnis on his successful endurance cycling for Children In Need. “Paddy, you’re a hero. You really are. Now take a long, hot soak. Thank you so much for what you did.”
Back on the Love Line, Michael speaks with Mike who is celebrating 40 years of marriage to Sarah. Michael once again points out how Fate plays such a huge part in relationships. Michael then reads some messages that have come in over the past week. It’s obvious how much he enjoys these, especially when he’s able to give a shout-out to the Wales Rugby team! Returning to the Love Line, Michael speaks with Becky, who talks about a new relationship in her life with a man she hadn’t seen in 40 years – Dave. What began as old mates getting together again blossomed into walks with their dogs, followed by romantic feelings. In a series of flukes, it turned out that Dave’s son had actually been a guest in Becky’s home at one time. Also, Becky’s real dad, whom she’d only seen a few times over her lifetime, was a boarder for 12 years at Dave’s father’s home. Now they’re together after both not being interested in ever finding love again. Becky closes the conversation by praising Michael’s new show, which truly touches him. Despite being months into LOVE SONGS, Michael needs to know that his show is doing well. When we think of Michael Ball, we picture him self-assured, but doubt and insecurity shadows every actor, no matter how successful they become.
Love Letters. Nicola wants to honor her dad Jim, a veteran, who’s always been her rock. Michael gives Jim a call, who initially thinks the call is a prank. When he hears his daughter’s voice, he asks, “What are you up to, girl? Honestly.” Michael explains about ‘Love Letters.’ Jim knows all about it, having listened to Michael’s show. Nicola reads her beautiful, heartfelt letter, which of course made me cry. Jim’s reaction is just as moving. This is one of my favorite Love Letters. Michael closes by playing ‘Unchained Melody.’ More tears.
The Last Dance is for Richard and Edwina, on their 45th anniversary. Emma, their daughter, informs Michael that in 1979 A Piper beer cost 46 P, and a cinema ticket cost 1 pound, 13. She discovered this from the anniversary card she got her parents. Of course this news upsets Michael, with the prices today. Sigh. It’s depressing for all of us!
Wow, what a broadcast. A VERY good show this week! Bravo Michael, Ste Softley & Billy Draper.
No matter what the future holds for Michael Ball, we can be sure it will be both exciting and a challenge. And we’ll be there, cheering him on.
Song Track List: Simply Red ‘Stars’; Bruno Mars ‘Just The Way You Are’; Whitney Houston ‘Love Is’; The Cranberries ‘Linger’; Harry Styles ‘Golden’; The Isley Brothers ‘This Old Heart Of Mine’; Freya Ridings ‘Lost Without You’; Jake Isaac ‘Ever Yours’; Backstreet Boys ‘I Want It That Way’; Dolly Parton ‘Here You Come Again’; McFly Allen About You’; Morgan Wallen ‘Love Somebody’; Elton John ‘Sacrifice’; Marvin Gaye ‘I Heard Italian Through The Grapevine’; Mariah Carey & The Boyz II Men ‘One Sweet Day’; Robbie Williams ‘Feel’; Janet Devlin ‘Red Flag’; The Righteous Brothers ‘Unchained Melody’; Lukas Graham ‘7 Years’; Candi Staton ‘Young Hearts Run Free’; Song of the Week: Backstreet Boys ‘I Want It That Way.’