Style exclusive: Brian McFadden

Irish singer-songwriter (and now adopted Rochdalian) Brian McFadden, began his singing career as a member of Westlife in 1998, achieving twelve number one singles. Brian left the group in 2004 to pursue his solo career which led him to several number ones of his own and a successful career as a television and radio presenter in Austrailia.

In 2016, Brian formed Boyzlife with former Boyzone member Keith Duffy, and together they have toured around the world, performing some of their greatest hits.

Earlier this year, Brian released his latest album 'Otis', which pays tribute to soul legend Otis Redding. In March, he also made it through to the semi-final of ITV's Dancing on Ice alongside dance partner Alex Murphy.

Style caught up with Brian to chat about life in Rochdale with girlfriend Danielle, his love for soul music and his exciting future plans...

Style: You’ve been on the road with some intimate gigs during your Soul Jam tour. How did they go?

Brian: The shows went really well, I love doing intimate gigs. I plan to keep doing those alongside the bigger Boyzlife shows.

You’re known for your pop style but your new album 'Otis' shows a very different side to you. Is the album something you’ve been wanting to make for a while? Yes, most of my albums have varied in style, I enjoy new challenges with every album I make. A soul album was something I’ve wanted to do for many years. To deliver a proper soul album you need life experience which is why I waited almost 20 years.

You’re back on tour with Keith Duffy as your singing duo Boyzlife… any plans for an album?

Yes, we are planning to release an album around Christmas time followed by a full tour in 2020!

You’ve had gigs all over the world recently. Where has been your favourite place to visit?

South Africa is beautiful, we went on safari which was incredible and the scenery is beautiful. Can’t fault the weather either!

Your girlfriend Danielle now works with your PR team – are you having fun travelling around together?

Well I have the most awesome job in the world and I love what I do, so to get to share that with my best friend is just amazing.

You blew everyone away on Dancing on Ice earlier this year - have you been ice skating since?

No unfortunately, I haven’t got time at the moment but will definitely get it in at some point. I want to teach Danielle some moves!

You've said that Dancing on Ice really helped you to get fit and we hear you’re still on a massive health kick?

Yes I felt amazing after the show, so we have started training with David Green (Strongest Version) to try and build on it now. We focus on diet obviously, along with strength training in the gym. The strength training is helping my golf too!

What’s your handicap?

Recently just got reduced to 8!

You’re a very busy man but what do you get up to during your time off?

I play as much golf as possible and catch up with family and friends. Just taking some down time is really nice when you’ve been on the move travelling and working.

How are you finding life in Rochdale?

I love living here. The people are really nice and it's a peaceful, quiet place. Perfect for me.

What advice would you give to aspiring singers and musicians?

Never give up on achieving your dream. Try to take every disappointment as a lesson to keep improving. Also, play and sing because you love it and anything that comes from it is then a bonus.

If you could choose any three dinner guests who would they be? And what would you cook?

Tiger Woods, Kevin Costner and Elvis. I’d cook chilli because that’s all I can cook!!

Where do you want to be in ten years’ time?

Tricky question! In my industry it’s hard to predict I guess but in the simplest form I’d like to still be making music and be happy!

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS…

Big night out or quiet night in? Quiet night in

Dublin or Manchester? Dublin

Morning or evening? Morning

Action or comedy? Comedy

Batman or superman? Batman

Sweet or savoury? Savoury

Phone call or text? Text

Golf or football? To play: golf / to watch: football

Wine or Guinness? Guinness

Ruth Parkinson