I wish it hadnt happened, but Im quite glad it did in a way. There I was onTop of the Pops. This business is hard enough to then be told: its not even viable, go and retrain in IT or whatever, he says. Michael Ball, 59, has revealed he felt an instant connection the first time he set eyes on his long-term girlfriend, Cathy McGowan, 78, after she first interviewed him back in 1992. 1 in the weekly "Official" UK Singles Chart, making Moore the oldest person to achieve that position and meaning that he will be at No. Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. His zodiac sign is Cancer. READ MORE:Michael Ball, 58, hits back at 'toyboy' suggestion with partner, 78. Stage Actors. More info. The star revealed how he couldnt imagine my life without her. The potential for a panic attack is always there for him. I never used to, but Ive learned to smell the roses, to stop and go great. Ball is a concert artist: he tours frequently around the United Kingdom and has also performed concerts in Australia and the United States. The actor and singer, 58, who is known for starring as Marius in Les Miserables as well as for his roles in Hairspray, Sweeney Todd and The Phantom of the Opera, is in a long-term relationship with former presenter Cathy McGowan, 78. These three episodes were combined together to make a special which was then broadcast on BBC One. They have lived together since 1992. In 2002 he took on the role of Caractacus Potts in the Sherman Brothers musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which was largely considered his comeback role. More info. He also won the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical, his first Olivier Award. Michael Ball is set to join Alan Titchmarsh on Alan Titchmarsh: Spring into Summer, but how much do you know about the talented singer behind the cameras? The album features songs all written by Burt Bacharach and is entitled Back to Bacharach. Ellie Harrison details 'unpleasant' moment with Adam Henson, Richard Madeley savaged after Marcus Rashford 'should've scored' quip, Michael Ball wife: Partner Cathy once saved singer's life as scary' fire engulfed home, Matt Tebbutt red-faced after awkward exchange with Masterchef finalist. Should there have been more financial support? I'm thankful that I chose to see my GP and that he quickly realised it might be serious and referred me on for specialist tests. Discover Michael Ball's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. He was also a regular stand-in presenter for Ken Bruce until 2016 on the station. Michael Bubl has his wife to thank for getting him through one of the worst experiences a parent can endure. In 2017, Ball backs children's fairy tales app GivingTales in aid of UNICEF together with Roger Moore, Stephen Fry, Ewan McGregor, Joan Collins, Joanna Lumley, Michael Caine, Charlotte Rampling and Paul McKenna. Michael Ball, 59, and Cathy McGowan, 78, first met when the acclaimed singer was performing in a musical. She's a unique, wonderful person," he said in a 2019 interview withExpress.co.uk. And so weve got to say our piece, and the most important thing I said for us would be Covid insurance for producers, says Ball. TheWest Endstar described the ex-Ready Steady Go presenter as a very powerful woman who has supported and inspired him throughout his successful career. Michael Ball wife: Is Michael Ball married? In 2005, with 10 days' notice, he replaced Michael Crawford as Count Fosco in The Woman in White after poor health forced Crawford to give up the role. "She had her career and is more than happy that the focus is on me now, and shes the best at giving me advice and strength and looking after me," he explained. "Weve been together about 30 years now, and all I can say is I wish I looked as young as she does, because she looks amazing! In the end we went for therapy in the United States. I cant properly explain it, but I dont mind admitting I suffered a breakdown. 2017Ball and Boe: Back together. Michael Ball, 58, is an actor, singer and broadcaster who first gained notoriety when he made his West End debut in 1985 playing Marius Pontmercy in the original production of Les Miserables -. He was, however, forced to leave the show because of a viral infection supposedly caused by the fat suit required for the role; this reportedly raised Ball's body temperature by several degrees during the show. "She's taught me so much and she's made me laugh like a drain - and vice versa.". "I noticed one morning that I had blood in my urine. Im too old to be a toy boy, and age has never been an issue or thought about. Michael Ball on Eurovision offer from BBC, Loose Women fans accuse Michael Ball of miming, Matt Tebbutt red-faced after awkward exchange with Masterchef finalist. He was born in Worcestershire, England, and attended the Guildford School of Acting . Im very impatient, and I like my own way. A smile. Michael Ashley Ball, OBE (born 27 June 1962) is an English actor, singer and radio broadcaster. Although, he adds: We have people out there saying: Go and get help, and its all very well, but there has to be the help out there. A friend, he says, has been trying to get help, but is on a long waiting list. She would say I was a simple, complicated man, he says. Ball co-judged the second series of ITV reality television show Soapstar Superstar in 2007. "Even in divisive "Im too old to be a toyboy, and age has never been an issue or thought about. 1 on his 100th birthday. You just think: How to make a bad situation worse.. Read about our approach to external linking. An early referral can really help to make a difference!". ", DONT MISS:Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda Owen sparks concern with bikini selfies (PHOTOS)'Programme's so much more than me' Monty Don hits back at fan claim (NEWS)The ex-girlfriends are not thrilled Prince Harry memoir upset(LATEST). As does she.. David credits seeing his GP as a reason for being alive. The Shooting Star Children's Hospice and CHASE Hospice Care for Children joined together to become Shooting Star CHASE in 2011 and Ball is a patron for this charity. NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, has offered guidelines aimed at speeding up cancer diagnoses in England. If it had been diagnosed early, among other things, she certainly wouldn't have suffered acute hydrocephalus [a build up of fluid on the brain] and had needed a shunt for the rest of her life. Having not been out of the house much for a year, to suddenly be travelling all over the most glorious country, meeting amazing people, doing all this stuff and going on a personal journey, it was He smiles. He also won the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Edna Turnblad. And she doesnt give a monkeys about it. Aw! However, while Cathy was a prolific BBC journalist and presenter at the time, she has since stepped back from the public eye. 60 Year Olds. 2019Ball and Boe: A very Merry Christmas. Ball is stepfather to McGowans daughter, Emma, and grandfather to Emmas children. Cancers. If I hadn't, it might have been some time before it reappeared and the cancer would have been more advanced and potentially more difficult to treat. Michael Ball (Michael Ashley Ball) was born on 27 June, 1962 in Bromsgrove, United Kingdom, is a Broadcaster, actor, singer. Michael Ball is returning to screens tonight with another edition of his documentary series called Michael Ball's Wonderful Wales. Do I? In November 2014 Ball released his new album, "If Everyone Was Listening". Pearls suggest chastity, modesty and stable marriage relationships. Michael Balls income source is mostly from being a successful Broadcaster. He explained: I could never have achieved what Ive achieved without Cathy. Michael Ball - The Wonder Of You (Live at Royal Concert Hall Glasgow 1993)Listen On Spotify - http://smarturl.it/Mbls_Spotify?IQid=YouTubeBuy on iTunes - htt. The concert is being broadcast on radio 2 on the 5th January 2020. Ball embarked on an extensive British tour during March and April 2007. She was once one of the most famous women in the country, lauded by everyone. Michael Ball's net worth Michael Ball was born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England, on June 27, 1962. More info. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. The crooner recently opened up about why this was in an unearthed chat. READ MORE:Carol Vorderman, 60, suffers bra mishap during Beat The Chasers stint. She was wrongly diagnosed and the doctor ignored her complaint as, at 36 years old, she was too young to have cancer, he said, despite her mother dying of cancer when my wife was a child, and four of her sisters now having cancer. His mother's name is Ruth Ball. Yes, but Im sure everyone thinks there should have been for their own industry, he says. In December 2000, she saved his life by dragging him out of a house fire. His latest album Coming Home To You reached number One in the UK making it his 4th number one album to date. Life is so surprising. . "It took over five months of misdiagnoses before we found out that our then 14-month-old daughter had an ependymoma brain tumour. All profits made went to this charity. Michael Ball hits out at mention of 20-year age gap with partner Cathy, Michael Ball is back performing in Hairspray, Michael Ball to perform on star-studded Canaries cruise, Michael Ball's furious rant about mobile phone use in theatre, 10 brilliant things you can do on Cunards new star-studded cruise, Michael Ball reveals why he has never married his long-time partner, Michael Ball's partner Cathy saved singer's life during 'scary' fire, Michael Ball, 58, hits back at 'toyboy' suggestion with partner, 78, Michael Ball teased Harry as he did 'not see enough of his house', 'Is it career suicide?' The audience have been taking their seats and here he is, still in specs and black T-shirt. When the couple first met, Michael was performing in the musical Aspects of Love. Their love is certainly the real deal with the singer often gushing over their "strong partnership" and sweetly praised Cathy for being his biggest supporter. Michael Ball was born in the middle of Baby Boomers Generation. is 180cm . The tour started with two nights in Belfast, before a number of shows in the north of England and the Midlands. So its hard for her that she happens to have a partner in the public eye.. His ethnicity is White, and his zodiac sign is Cancer. In 2004, he co-starred with Petula Clark in a production of Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard at the Cork Opera House, later broadcast by the BBC. Within 24 hours, the performance was recorded, and made into a digital single featuring the NHS Voices of Care Choir, and Moore's spoken words. Ball played Alex in Aspects of Love, both in London and New York, and Giorgio in the London production of Stephen Sondheim's Passion. Good communication with your wife is the most important part of your role as husband/caregiver. They met when McGowan, a former TV presenter, interviewed him when he was appearing in Lloyd-Webbers Aspects of Love, and have been together for 30 years. Michael Ball (Michael Ashley Ball) was born on 27 June, 1962 in Bromsgrove, United Kingdom, is a Broadcaster, actor, singer. I have been truly happy, he says. Michael Ball is a 60 year old British Actor. The singer then added to the Mirror about how important Cathy has been to him. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. He is not dating anyone. implied that people should retrain for jobs in other sectors, professional ballet dancer could get a job in tech, he recorded Youll Never Walk Alone with Captain Sir Tom Moore and the NHS Voices of Care choir. Im godfather to both of them. Claudia Winkleman took over the vacant Sunday evening slot later that month. His album Heroes was released on 14 March 2011. Michael Ball is a guest on Alan Titchmarsh's Spring Into Summer tonight. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Find Dr. Ball's phone number, address, hospital affiliations and more. You can unsubscribe at any time. He is also the godfather to Emma's son, Connor. As part of the role, she interviewed Michael for his musical and the pair struck up a relationship in the 1990s. Yes, I do if it comes down to the crunch. Ball had his own TV series, Michael Ball, in 1993 and 1994 a Christmas Special in 1995 and a three-part series in 1998 filmed by BBC Cymru Wales Ball in the Hall. I totally respect her desire for privacy. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Michael Ball Fans Also Viewed . We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. By the middle of July, Ball had taken part in the Royal Court Theatre's celebratory performance of The Rocky Horror Show. From 6 April 2008, Ball took over Michael Parkinson's Sunday Supplement on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday from 11a.m. to 1p.m. Ball won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Musical. My wife is from the Republic of Ireland, both her and her other sister living in England died of cancer. According to Astrologers, Michael Ball's zodiac sign is Cancer. Three others with cancer still living in Ireland all survived, the first had a breast removed in 1995. Michael Ball lost his wife to cancer and believes doctors should be bolder in accepting the potential for cancer being present in a patient. When speaking to the Daily Mail back in 2013, he admitted she wasnt interested in fame. The advisory body estimates 5,000 lives could be saved each year if GPs follow the new recommendations. It will be only the second performance of Hairspray, in which Ball plays the matriarch Edna Turnblad, and he is still on a high from opening night. Going back there and finding out what it was like to be a miner for my grancha he died because of it, he died from dust on the lungs it was a bloody hard life., Ball has had huge success, and, though he is undeniably showbizzy, he has never seemed grand. Ball never sought professional help, but he recognises the importance of it. It still seems shocking to us how long we had to fight to be taken seriously, and how obvious symptoms were overlooked time and time again by GPs and paediatric specialists, with no-one seemingly able to draw an obvious conclusion from a range of concurrent and consecutive symptoms. He is the son of Tony Ball, who was the head of global sales for British Leyland Ball, and Ruth Ball, his mother. He toured the United Kingdom with an orchestra and five West End stars, (Louise Clare Marshall, Louise Dearman, Emma Williams, Adrian Hansel and Ben James-Ellis), in the autumn, celebrating 25 years in the music industry. A trouper. Suddenly it was: This is what Im meant to be doing. He loved performing, being somebody else. Its the title of a song on his latest album, which he wrote. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He remembers going to stay with her, and she always encouraged us to do that old-school, make your own entertainment kind of thing. When ovarian cancer killed Angela McGowan it robbed a family of a wife and a mother; and Michael Ball of the woman who had united him with the "love of his life" - former Ready, steady, Go presenter Cathy McGowan. "My wife died one week after her 46th birthday in July . Express. The 60-year-old stage actor was born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England, UK. READ MORE:Michael Ball reveals why he has never married his long-time partner. He was born in England and still has British nationality. Normally, Im warmed up and Im ready, he says with a laugh. But when the couple'sage difference croppedup into conversation,he pointed out how it would not be spoken about as frequentlyif he was the olderone in their relationship. It still sticks in my throat. He graduated in 1984. Im feeling a bit panicked. But he looks completely at home. A trouper. Since reaching Number 2 in the UK Singles Chart with "Love Changes Everything" from Aspects of Love, Ball had lesser success with follow up singles, but in the main has concentrated on releasing albums, all of which achieved gold status within weeks, and in the case of The Movies album in 1998, platinum in seven weeks (released 26 October, confirmed platinum status on 12 December). I love moving an audience and having that connection. And, he adds with a laugh, I quite like being the centre of attention., He was lucky, he says, that graduating coincided with the time of the great British musicals the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh extravaganzas that were happening. A huge early break was getting the role of Marius in the original London production of Les Misrables in 1985, co-directed by Trevor Nunn, then the artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Ball sang two songs on this show; the first was the song Born Free, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and was a hit for the British male singer Matt Monro in 1966. On 24 April 2020, Ball entered the UK Singles Chart at number one with a cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone", with combined chart sales of 82,000 making it the fastest-selling single of 2020 so far. Its just electric, and we needed to hear it. "People sometimes ask about the age difference," he said. The second song Ball sang during the programme was Love Changes Everything, a song that Black co-wrote with lyricist Charles Hart for the musical Aspects of Love, composed by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Later the same year he was a guest star at Clark's Concert, also broadcast by the BBC. It's a major reason why I am still here today. "I just love her. His father's name is Tony Ball, he was the head of global sales at British Leyland. You can unsubscribe at any time. () It was Frankie McGowan - at 47 the baby sister of the McGowan family - who had delivered the news. Michael Ball was the second child of Ruth Ball, a Welsh mother, and Tony Ball, an English father. Won the 2013 Olivier Award for his performance as the titular character in the West End production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Speakingabouthis first meeting with Cathy, Michael said: Cathy came into my life when I was doingAspects of Love. When he returned to work he was still suffering from fatigue, and began to get on-stage panic attacks overwhelming anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and problems with vision. But he listened., Ball is cautiously optimistic that the West End will bounce back, but there has been a big impact on regional theatre and on many performers. The breakdown, he says, made me a better performer, and a better person.