Michael Ball: ‘My most unappealing habit? Sitting in my pants on the sofa’

Born in Worcestershire, Michael Ball, 60, studied at Guildford School of Acting. In 1985, he made his West End debut in Les Misérables and went on to star in Aspects of Love and The Phantom of the Opera. In 1989 he had a hit single with Love Changes Everything. He won Olivier awards in 2008 and 2013 for performances in Hairspray and Sweeney Todd. He is currently appearing in a revival of Aspects of Love at the Lyric theatre in London. Over the years, he has recorded many albums, the latest being Together in Vegas, with Alfie Boe. He lives in London with his partner, Cathy McGowan.

When were you happiest?
My first summer working, in 1984. I’d come out of drama school, I’d landed a job that got me an Equity card doing Godspell in Aberystwyth – and it was just unmitigated joy.

What is your earliest memory?
Watching Winston Churchill’s funeral procession on the black and white television in our front room.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, his trajectory from performer to leading his country and then stepping up in such a magnificent way is extraordinary.

Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
My dogs. They didn’t cost that much to buy, but I’ve been paying for them since. We’ve two Tibetan terriers, Danny and Wilbur.

What makes you unhappy?
Not being good at something.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Sitting in my pants on the sofa, watching telly.

Describe yourself in three words
Fun. Fun. Fun.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
During the technical rehearsal of Aspects of Love in 1989. They told me it would be discreetly lit because I was paranoid about being in just my pants. I walked on and every spotlight in the building followed me round the stage.

What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
“Unfortunately, Michael, I don’t think you’re ever going to work in the acting profession until you’re about 40, and then it’ll only be in minor character roles.” Drama teacher at Guildford School of Acting.

Would you choose fame or anonymity?
Anonymity.

What was the last lie that you told?
The answer to that last question.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Married at First Sight Australia.

What does love feel like?
The best of times, the worst of times.

What was the best kiss of your life?
Mel Smith in 2008. He was playing my husband in Hairspray and we used to have a little peck after our song. On his final matinee performance, he grabbed my face and french kissed me.

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?
Yes, all the time.

What is the worst job you’ve done?

Handing out leaflets for a European coach trip wearing just lederhosen, in February and March in Surrey. It was freezing, and I got fired.

When did you last cry, and why?
Watching Long Lost Family on telly.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I am pretty proud of having got Aspects of Love back into the West End.

What keeps you awake at night?
Having got Aspects of Love back into the West End.

Tell us a secret
I’m very good at keeping secrets so, no, I shan’t.