‘I love Wales so much'

West End legend Michael Ball on reconnecting with his Welsh roots for his new travelogue…

- HANNAH DAVIES

MICHAEL BALL’S WONDERFUL WALES

NEW FRI / CHANNEL 5 / 8PM / EP 1 of 4 / TRAVELOGUE

When TV Times catches up with Michael Ball, he’s in the London Coliseum, taking a break from rehearsals for a limited summer run of Hairspray, where he reprises his legendary role of Edna Turnblad… and he couldn’t be more excited to be back on stage!

‘It’s amazing,’ says the West End legend. ‘Although it’s really hot at the moment, and what with all the padding, the tights and the wig, I’m dying!’

We’ve called Michael via Zoom to talk about another of his great loves – Wales. Michael’s mum, Ruth, was born and raised in the Cynon Valley, and both his grandfather and great-grandfather were Welsh miners.

In his new Channel 5 series Michael Ball’s Wonderful Wales, Michael takes a very personal tour around the land of his forefathers, embracing the nation’s history, culture, food and stunning scenery, as well as discovering more about his roots.

Here, Michael, 59, tells us more…

Why did you want to be part of this series?

If I’m honest, I just wanted to get out of the house after lockdown! Seriously, it was lovely seeing family and friends, going back to the places I know and love, and discovering the rest of this incredible country. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun!

I laughed a lot, but it was very moving as well. I hope that, by watching the series, viewers will understand why I love Wales so much.

So what does Wales mean to you?