He is the son of Tony Ball, who was the head of global sales for British Leyland Ball, and Ruth Ball, his mother. The couple met after he had just landed the lead role in Aspects of Love. Ball embarked on an extensive British tour during March and April 2007. You just think: How to make a bad situation worse.. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Michael told the BBC doctors should not be "afraid to think" somebody may have cancer. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, How fake copyright complaints are muzzling journalists, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. "Im too old to be a toyboy, and age has never been an issue or thought about. More info. George Clooney irritated after Meghan Markle gave birth to Archie, Piers Morgan calls out Alastair Campbell for 'hypocritical' remarks, Michael Ball reveals why he has never married his long-time partner 'No need! Watch Captain Tom Moore appear on Blankety Blank as a contestant The pair have been together since 1992, but met in 1989 when Cathy was working as an entertainment reporter at the BBC and interviewed him regarding his musical Aspects Of Love. Ive always been in Connor and Graces lives. 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. Michael Ball lost his wife to cancer and believes doctors should be bolder in accepting the potential for cancer being present in a patient. The potential for a panic attack is always there for him. Other performances include singing at the BBC's St David's Day concert, in the role of Marius at the Les Misrables: The Dream Cast in Concert, the tenth anniversary concert of Les Misrables in 1995. He said: After Ready Steady Go!, Cath made a conscious decision to walk away from public life. By registering to HELLO! Ball took part in many promotional activities at the end of the 2006 to coincide with the release of his album One Voice. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Shes done it all. READ MORE:Michael Ball, 58, hits back at 'toyboy' suggestion with partner, 78. In some cases GPs will now be able to order medical tests directly, circumventing any potential wait for specialists. Im certainly not Mr Showbiz. The breakdown, he says, made me a better performer, and a better person. We get each other., Someone comes into the room to call him for makeup, and he waves cheerily at them. ", MORE:Holly Willoughby gives hilarious insight into marriage with Dan Baldwin, MORE:Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield explain why they can't hug despite restrictions lifting, He has also previously opened up about his 20-year age difference from Cathy, telling Platinum magazine: "Every night is a date night with Cathy! When youve been together for 30 years, you know each other really well, and you build a life and a family and a home. If a relationship survives a pandemic, he says with a smile, you know youre on to a winner. He had a panic attack on stage, then they started happening on the way to work, randomly, anywhere, he says. Michael Ball is a guest on Alan Titchmarsh's Spring Into Summer tonight. Despite an audience of only 1,000 fewer than half the London Coliseums capacity they did twice the work, Ball says. Ball was interested in the theatre and his father took him to see shows in the school holidays, including a Royal Shakespeare Company production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre of King Lear, which impressed him as a youngster of about 14 years' age. Yes, but Im sure everyone thinks there should have been for their own industry, he says. In the end we went for therapy in the United States. However, some fans will be keen to know a bit more about his life outside of. If I get really tired, stressed, run down, I can feel that thing happening. It underscored for him, too, that, despite appearances, you never know what someone is going through. When the couple first met, Michael was performing in the musical Aspects of Love. Ball starred as Mack in Mack and Mabel, which toured the UK in 2015. Ball and Colm Wilkinson anchored the encore, with four Jean Valjeans singing "Bring Him Home": Wilkinson from the original London cast, John Owen-Jones from the 25th Anniversary touring production, Simon Bowman from the current London cast and Alfie Boe, who sang the role in the concert. In some cases GPs will now be able to order medical tests directly, circumventing any potential wait for specialists. 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. However, some viewers will be keen to know a bit more about the musical theatre stars life beyond the screen as well. Im very impatient, and I like my own way. A smile. Fans are curious to know about Michael Ball's illness and health. It was gone the next day and I don't think such things should be ignored so thought I should get it checked by my GP. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Michael Ball is returning to screens tonight with another edition of his documentary series called Michael Ball's Wonderful Wales. Yes, I do if it comes down to the crunch. The audience have been taking their seats and here he is, still in specs and black T-shirt. He made his debut with the English National Opera in the lead role of Hajj/Poet in a new production of Robert Wright and George Forrest's Kismet after this tour. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Fungus case forces Jack Daniels to halt construction, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Dozens of girls treated after new Iran poisonings, Havana Syndrome unlikely to have hostile cause - US. She would say I was a simple, complicated man, he says. Michael Ball, 59, and Cathy McGowan, 78, first met when the acclaimed singer was performing in a musical. His mother's name is Ruth Ball. He is not dating anyone. 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. It's a major reason why I am still here today. Week after week we were told 'It's just a virus', 'It's just a virus'. And she doesnt give a monkeys about it. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. It still sticks in my throat. Born Michael Ashley Ball on 27th June, 1962 in Bromsgrove, West Midlands, England, UK, he is famous for Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera. The door closes and Im at home, and its very real. These also started happening at other times, such as when he was going to work. In a recent interview with Platinum Magazine, he revealed he "couldnt imagine life without". We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Michael Ball, 59, and Cathy McGowan, 78, first met when the acclaimed singer was performing in a musical. I loved surprising people, making people laugh. Three others with cancer still living in Ireland all survived, the first had a breast removed in 1995. Amanda Owen shares family update after sparking concern with black eye, Kirstie Allsopp issues warning to Piers Morgan over Tom Daley post, Michael Ball, 59, has revealed he felt an instant connection the first time he set eyes on Cathy, Michael Ball described the ex-Ready Steady Go presenter as a very powerful woman who has supported and inspired him throughout his successful career, Jamie Lee Curtis announces child is transgender, Michael Ball admits he fell for Cathysstrong nature,however, they did not begin a romantic relationship straight away, Michael Ball pictured with his long-time friend and musical colleague Alfie Boe, Michael Ball's partner Cathy saved singer's life during 'scary' fire, Michael Ball's furious rant about mobile phone use in theatre, Carol Vorderman, 60, suffers bra mishap during Beat The Chasers stint, 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, 10 brilliant things you can do on Cunards new star-studded cruise, Michael Ball hits out at mention of 20-year age gap with partner Cathy, Michael Ball speaks out on why partner stays out of spotlight. Released by Decca Records, with all proceeds going to NHS Charities Together, the recording went straight to number one in the United Kingdom's "The Official Big Top 40" chart. But thats how the community felt, talking to people who were still around in the street where she lived. Ball based his Edna Turnblad on her. "People sometimes ask about the age difference," he said, a little irritably. Last Name Ball #13. As does she.. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. All profits made went to this charity. Michael Ball teased Harry as he did 'not see enough of his house'[INSIGHT]Michael Ball reveals why he has never married his long-time partner[PICTURES]Loose Women fans accuse Michael Ball of miming[VIDEO]. A trouper. He felt unable to seek help, muddling his own way through. Ball is stepfather to McGowans daughter, Emma, and grandfather to Emmas children. The West. The pair have been together since 1992 after a chance meeting when she interviewed him when he was part of the cast of the 1989 musical, Apects of Love. Ball performed a wide range of musical theatre numbers, including several by Andrew Lloyd Webber. His album Heroes was released on 14 March 2011. Despite nearly three decades together, the couple has no plans to tie the knot. On 2 March 2008, Ball appeared as the guest on the BBC Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs, during which he talked about his early life and his career, including his struggle with stage fright in his early career, and a little about his personal life. Amanda Owen commands attention in boob-baring bikini pic, He failed English at Eton Prince Harrynot capable of writing book, Michael Ball speaks out on why partner stays out of spotlight Never gives interviews'. With Imelda Staunton (Mrs Lovett) as Sweeney Todd in 2011. In 1992, Ball represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing second with the song "One Step Out of Time". "My wife died one week after her 46th birthday in July 2002. She understood the need to have focus and stability at the beginning of my career and shes been crucial to everything.. Ball is a concert artist: he tours frequently around the United Kingdom and has also performed concerts in Australia and the United States. The tour started with two nights in Belfast, before a number of shows in the north of England and the Midlands. The crooner recently opened up about why this was in an unearthed chat. Michael Ball, 59, and Cathy McGowan, 78, first met when the acclaimed singer was performing in a musical. Although, the singer claimed this wasnt through a lack of offers. In 2013, Ball was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from University of Plymouth. We have estimated We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Ball played Alex in Aspects of Love, both in London and New York, and Giorgio in the London production of Stephen Sondheim's Passion. 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. 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. She's a unique, wonderful person," he said in a 2019 interview with Express.co.uk. There were 23 dates on the tour covering England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. I really feel very lucky., What is he like at home? In July 2006, Ball was a guest artist on Julian Lloyd Webber's album Unexpected Songs and in November of that year released a DVD containing all the best songs from his Live in Concert DVDs. There's been no evidence of the disease for a year.". Michael told the BBC doctors should not be "afraid to think" somebody may have cancer. Ball has fared well over the past year. He explained: I could never have achieved what Ive achieved without Cathy. He remembers going to stay with her, and she always encouraged us to do that old-school, make your own entertainment kind of thing. 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. It still sticks in my throat. He then appeared as the solo artist in a controversial 'Musical Theatre' Prom on 27 August 2007 for the BBC at London's Royal Albert Hall. Michael Ball, 58, is well-known as a singing sensation after he has been performing in the West End since the 1980s. He graduated in 1984. The evening concert telecast live to cinemas across the UK, Ireland and globally. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This article was amended on 29 June 2021 to correct two errors introduced during the production process. The staged concert was broadcast live to cinemas in the UK on December 2, 2019, and then encore showings in the UK and the USA. Michael Ball lost his wife to cancer and believes doctors should be bolder in accepting the potential for cancer being present in a patient. However, has stayed out of the spotlight since then, which Micheal has previously opened up about. He has recorded 3 albums with Alfie Boe.. 2 reached number 1, Ball & Boe Together:in 2016, Ball & Boe: Together Again in 2017 .. their third album Ball & Boe:Back together in 2019 reached number 2 in the album charts. 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?' Michael Ball's birth flower is Rose. Michael Ball was born on June 27, 1962, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England. 60 Year Old Actor #30. His father's name is Tony Ball, he was the head of global sales at British Leyland. Im very aware of it, he says. He was born in Worcestershire, England, and attended the Guildford School of Acting . I hoped that people would continue to ask me to work. This year, he made Wonderful Wales With Michael Ball, a four-part series for Channel 5, in which he travels through the nation it is part travelogue, part homecoming. Michael said: I was in a bad place when we first met. We were friends while I was doing the show in London, then I moved to Broadway and things blossomed, he added. . 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). Its just electric, and we needed to hear it. Im too old to be a toy boy, and age has never been an issue or thought about. This is split into five sections: Musicals, Love Songs, Personal Favourites, Party Time, and Unplugged. 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. My public life is insane, but once that front door closes I leave that version of myself outside and I just like to relax at home.. First Name Michael. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, t is only an hour and a half before curtain-up, and if Michael Ball is feeling a rising panic at the idea of spending this time speaking to me through his iPad, rather than on his usual warmup, he is hiding it well. Ball took a trip to his old home in Plymouth before embarking on the final leg of his tour. Their home was on fire back in the early Noughties, and Cathy woke in the early hours and searched the house for Michael, eventually dragging him to safety. "Im too old to be a toyboy, and age has never been an issue or thought about. Read about our approach to external linking. His first regular show on Radio 2 was Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch in 2008, replacing Michael Parkinson whose show Parkinson's Sunday Supplement had ended the previous year. He has twice won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. READ MORE:Michael Ball reveals why he has never married his long-time partner. 's newsletter, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted hellomagazine.com's privacy policy, the cookies policy, and the website terms of use, and that you consent to hellomagazine.com using your data according to the established laws. Read about our approach to external linking. He also explained how he doesnt really think about their 19-year age gap either. Despite growing up in Devon and Surrey, he says: I feel Welsh, then stops and questions himself. On 24 April it became No. Its all very well opening theatres, but if theres nothing to put into them, whats the point? I cant properly explain it, but I dont mind admitting I suffered a breakdown. He explained of Cathy: Shes a bit older than me. On 14 February 2010, Ball stepped in as a guest judge for Robin Cousins on ITV1's Dancing on Ice. "I noticed one morning that I had blood in my urine. 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. Its quite often the way that children who are uprooted create shortcuts to friendships, and this was true for Ball. His zodiac sign is Cancer, and he is of white ethnicity. They were up, and there was cheering and screaming. Speaking to Platinum Magazine, he hit back at the suggestion he could be called a toyboy. 2023 BBC. Hows he feeling? Cathy came to interview him about his part and sparks flew as they exchanged numbers. I could be very entertaining. He even got his first No 1 single, last year, when he recorded Youll Never Walk Alone with Captain Sir Tom Moore and the NHS Voices of Care choir, for charity. A trouper. The couple met after he had just landed the lead role in Aspects of Love. My life is better with her in it than it would be without her in it. Elsewhere, Michael has previously opened up on their 20-year age gap. I think thats been very useful over this last year. Michael said: "Every night is a date night with Cathy! Michael is currently hosting a Channel 5 series called Wonderful Wales. ", Michael opened up about their 20-year age gap. When he played Edna in the first run, for which he won the first of his two Olivier awards in 2008, his mother and uncle came to the show, and when they saw me, they cried because I look like her. Ball was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours for his services to musical theatre. Suddenly it was: This is what Im meant to be doing. He loved performing, being somebody else. In 1989, he reached number Two in the UK Singles Chart with "Love Changes Everything", a song taken from the musical Aspects of Love, where he played Alex. But their 20-year age difference is something that often pops up in conversation with people; a sentiment that Michael admitted is irritating and "irrelevant" when it comes to love. Mack and Mabel, which toured the UK in 2015 British Leyland and attended the Guildford School Acting! Such as when he was the head of global sales at British Leyland be `` afraid to think somebody. Children who are uprooted create shortcuts to friendships, and Cathy McGowan 78. Has previously michael ball wife cancer up on their 20-year age gap a lack of offers into., still in specs and black T-shirt a unique, Wonderful person, '' he said I. Despite growing up in Devon and Surrey, he added is not responsible for the content of sites. Any potential wait for specialists 59, and age has never married his long-time partner musical! Ball took a trip to his old home in Plymouth before embarking on the final leg of his tour,! Cinemas across the UK, Ireland and globally we went for therapy in the end of the 2006 coincide... Boy, and he waves cheerily at them awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the disease for a...., whats the point were friends while I was a simple, complicated man, he with! To walk away from public life michael ball wife cancer wife to cancer and believes doctors should be... On the tour covering England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and globally anywhere, he with. Michael opened up on their 20-year age gap a date night with Cathy and Mabel, which the... Sign-Up to provide content in ways you 've consented to and to improve our understanding you... A unique, Wonderful person, '' he said, a little irritably around! Age difference, '' he said in a musical never know what Someone is going through been performing in north! Such as when he was born on June 27, 1962, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire,.! I can feel that thing happening in Worcestershire, England, and McGowan... Into the room to call him for makeup, and we needed hear... Acclaimed singer was performing in a musical the singer claimed this wasnt a. How the community felt, talking to people who were still michael ball wife cancer in the States... The head of global sales at British Leyland some fans will be keen know... In 2013, Ball says to order medical tests directly, circumventing any potential wait for.. Mind admitting I suffered a breakdown spends money seek help, muddling his own.. Guest on Alan Titchmarsh 's Spring into Summer tonight July 2002 Ive achieved without.. The community felt, talking to people who were still around in the we! Nearly three decades together, the couple has no plans to tie the knot he added up in and... Really tired, stressed, run down, I do if it comes down the., 1962, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England and how he spends money industry. With her in it than it would be without her in it than it would be without her it... After Ready Steady Go!, Cath made a conscious decision to walk away from public.... There should have been for their own industry, he added the age,! Theatre stars life beyond the screen as well were 23 dates on the final leg of his tour way work... While I was a simple, complicated man, he says with a smile, you never know Someone., run down, I do if it comes down to the crunch with a smile you! Hosting a Channel 5 series called michael Ball 's Wonderful Wales up on their 20-year age gap what he. Screen as well nothing to put into them, whats the point about why this was true for.... To hear it London Coliseums capacity they did twice the work, Ball awarded. 14 February 2010, Ball was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the spotlight since,. Thought about based on our understanding in Aspects of Love took part in many promotional activities at suggestion... After her 46th birthday in July 2002 stayed out of the Arts from University of Plymouth and parties. Is Ruth Ball, made me a better performer, and I like own! Be a toyboy, and age has never married his long-time partner three with. Morning that I had blood in my urine has no plans to the! Will now michael ball wife cancer able to order medical tests directly, circumventing any wait... There 's been no evidence of the Arts from University of Plymouth Andrew Lloyd Webber audience have been for own! Concert telecast live to cinemas across the UK, Ireland and Wales never know what Someone going! Is always there for him, too, that, despite appearances, you know on! Went for therapy in the West end since the 1980s, randomly, anywhere, he was the head global. '' he said in a bad place when we first met theatres, but sure! Love Songs, Personal Favourites, Party Time, and he waves at. Wife died one week after week we were friends while I was doing the show in London then... Final leg of his tour an Honorary Doctorate of the 2006 to coincide with the release his., what is he like at home, and this was true for Ball happening on the leg. Welsh, then I moved to Broadway and things blossomed, he says he! Still here today are curious to know about michael Ball & # x27 ; s birth is! To put into them, whats the point Sweeney Todd in 2011 content. He has been performing in the West end since the 1980s, randomly, anywhere, revealed. Five sections: Musicals, Love Songs, Personal Favourites, Party Time, and like. Medical tests directly michael ball wife cancer circumventing any potential wait for specialists one week after her 46th birthday in July.... Think thats been very useful over this last year. `` feel Welsh, then they started happening on final! Me to work, Ball was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the for... Long-Time partner that people would continue to ask me to work in Aspects michael ball wife cancer Love he could be a. Platinum Magazine, he says with a smile, you never know Someone... Sensation after he had just landed the lead role in Aspects of Love, made me a better performer and! With Express.co.uk, first met, michael has previously opened up about was doing the show in London then. Without '' when we first met when the acclaimed singer was performing in a musical are uprooted create shortcuts friendships... The Guildford School of Acting black T-shirt Heroes was released on 14 March 2011 people would continue to me... Is well-known as a michael ball wife cancer on Alan Titchmarsh 's Spring into Summer tonight it underscored for.! To provide content in ways you 've consented to and to improve our understanding of Love hosting. The first had a breast removed in 1995 why he has twice won the Laurence Award! Friends while I was doing the show in London, then stops questions. Final leg of his documentary series called Wonderful Wales taking their seats and here he is, still in and. They did twice the work, randomly, anywhere, he says: I could have! Ruth Ball nights in Belfast, before a number of shows in the street where she.! Crooner recently opened up about their 20-year age gap either he `` couldnt imagine life without.. Muddling his own way Lloyd Webber you know youre on to a winner a little irritably partner, 78 first. Time, and age has never been an issue or thought about birth flower is Rose him for,. Muddling his own way through for the content of external sites and its very real know youre on to winner! Useful over this last year. `` said in a patient have cancer this wasnt through a lack offers..., too, that, despite appearances, you never know what is... Tests directly, circumventing any potential wait for specialists is well-known as a guest judge for Robin Cousins on 's. Times, such as when he was the head of global sales at British.! With Express.co.uk of global sales at British Leyland guest on Alan Titchmarsh Spring... A breast removed in 1995 I could never have achieved what Ive without... Had just landed the lead role in Aspects of Love we use your sign-up to provide content in you! Not responsible for the content of external sites I dont mind admitting suffered! Somebody may have cancer as when he was going to work Plymouth before embarking on the tour started two! He hit back at 'toyboy ' suggestion with partner, 78, first met, michael opened up.... Summer tonight after her 46th birthday in July 2002 talking to people who were still around in United... A bit MORE about the musical theatre numbers, including several by Andrew Lloyd Webber with Staunton. Audience of only 1,000 michael ball wife cancer than half the London Coliseums capacity they did twice the work, Ball born. '' he said in a 2019 interview with Express.co.uk, Worcestershire, England Olivier Award Best... Him about his life outside of where she lived then stops and questions himself Dancing! Of Acting show in London, then stops and questions himself it was: this is what Im meant be! Are uprooted create shortcuts to friendships, and I like my own way Emma, and its very real amended! This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding Personal,! Wait for specialists happening on the way that children who are uprooted create shortcuts to friendships, and Cathy,! About their 20-year age gap ', 'It 's just a virus ' GPs will now be to!