Olivia Newton-John ‘Laughing is such a good thing!'

The singer looks back on one of her greatest hits as she locks down in Australia…

- RICHARD ARNOLD

Xanadu is out on DVD – it’s so camp! What memories do you have of making the film back in 1980?

I have so many great memories of dancing with the legendary Gene Kelly. He was one of the sweetest men ever, and really looked after me – especially when we filmed our big tap-dance number together.

Even after proving such a huge hit in Grease dancing with John Travolta, it must have been nerve-racking performing with Gene Kelly.

Gene was such a kind man and put me at ease. But I have to say my best memory of making the film, aside from Gene and the amazing music, was meeting my first husband Matt Lattanzi, because without that happening I wouldn’t have my beautiful daughter Chloe!

What memories do you have of recording Xanadu with ELO?

We had a great time in the studio. Jeff Lynne is such a wonderful musician and I just love the unique sound of ELO – they are incredible. We recorded the song at Jeff’s house in a few hours – what a gift to have recorded with him.

Grease, of course, is the stuff of legend. What was it like back then, when it exploded onto our screens and made stars of you all?

It was such an exciting time – we really all bonded like schoolmates, which was fun for me, as my school in Australia was so different. I was able to experience what it must have been like to go to school in America. I made some wonderful lifelong friends, especially Didi (Conn) and John (Travolta). It also took my music career, which was going very well before the film, to an even bigger place, due to the film’s global success.

Why do you think Xanadu is now a real cult hit?