Ents24's Ten Questions We Ask Everyone - Michael Ball

~ Ents24 Facebook - 18/03/2011 ~

• What or who inspired you to go into your line of work?

When I was a kid we lived very near to Stratford on Avon so I went a few times with mum and dad; then we moved to Surrey and I joined the local youth acting group, but it wasn't till I was about 12 when I went to see Jesus Christ Superstar that I thought "wow, this is what I want to do!" I was completely blown away by JCS; it was such a magnificent production, the music was amazing and it turned out to be the event that changed my life! From then on I was hooked on musical theatre, did loads of acting at school and as soon as I left I went to drama school.

• When you're not busy working hard, what's your favourite thing to do?

Sleeping! And cooking – I love cooking. Before I started the radio show (BBC Radio 2 Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch) I used to cook Sunday lunch for family and friends. Now I do it in the evening. There's nothing more satisfying than producing a huge roast with all the trimmings; I'm a big fan of organic food and I like to buy all my meat and vegetables from the local shops. I also love walking the dogs... we go to the nearby park where they've been known to chase deer and end up in the pond...

• What three things can't you live without?

My iPad – love it! I do all my emails on it, download music, books, films and now it never leaves my side. My passport because you never know... And moisturiser – I've worn SO much stage makeup in my time, if I didn't cleanse and moisturise I'd have the skin of a rhino.

• What makes you different from other artists?

I'm prepared to take risks in the fields of entertainment such as host a radio show, record a new album, perform in Sweeney Todd, host my own TV chat show - unlike a lot of actors I'm as comfortable being myself in public as I am being a character.

• Apart from your home and car, what's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?

Probably my Cartier watch.

• What one thing can't you do that you'd like to be able to?

Tap dance.

• If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?

I wouldn't, I'm quite happy with my name.

• What one talent or skill do you have that not many people know about?

The little talent I have I shout about from the highest mountain!

• Are biscuits better than cake?

Tough question – I do like a blueberry muffin though...

• If you were to describe your work in three words, what would they be?

I love it.

Michael Ball's latest album Heroes was released on the 14th of March, go grab yourself a copy now. After that make sure to check out his Ents24 Artist Page and while you're there, you should sign up for Artist Alerts to be notified via email whenever new performances are announced!