‘It's like a big old hug!'

Michael Ball on sharing his love of nature with Alan Titchmarsh

- REBECCA FLETCHER

SPRING INTO SUMMER

MONDAY / ITV / 8PM (TIMES VARY) / EP 7 of 9 / LIFESTYLE

Michael Ball is delighted to be this week’s special guest on Alan Titchmarsh’s popular ITV series Spring into Summer.

‘It’s such a treat, as I love this show,’ grins Michael, 58, as he joins TV Times for an exclusive video chat. ‘Talk about comfort TV – it’s like a big old hug!’

Here, Michael tells us about his love of the countryside and reveals some exciting new projects…

Do you and Alan go way back?

I’ve known him forever, from our Pebble Mill days! I’m looking forward to joining Alan in Hampshire, where apparently he’ll be getting me to watch sheep being sheared! I don’t know if I’ll be allowed a go – pity the poor sheep if so!

What does the great outdoors mean to you?

I grew up on Dartmoor, so I love it. There’s something very grounding and liberating about being in the countryside; it lifts your heart. All the best decisions I make involve taking my dogs, Dylan and Danny, out for a walk in the countryside or parks around me in west London.