Michael Ball

Singer, actor and Radio 2 Love Songs presenter Michael Ball joins Mark Goodier to select his Tracks Of My Years - with an in-depth conversation about his life and choosing ten songs which have soundtracked that time so far.

Born in Worcestershire in 1962, Michael was taken to the theatre by his father as a teenager and subsequently joined a youth theatre, then moved to Guildford to study acting. Since the 80s he's starred in numerous high-profile stage productions, including Phantom Of The Opera, Aspects Of Love and Les Miserables to name just a few. In 2008 he won an Olivier award for his role as Edna Turnblad in the musical Hairspray, then followed it up in 2013 with a second award for playing the title character in Sweeney Todd. Alongside his time on the stage he's also a successful recording artist, which started with reaching number 2 in the UK singles chart with Love Changes Everything from Aspects Of Love in 1989. Since then he has released many acclaimed albums, both as a solo artist and also in collaboration with Alfie Boe. In 1992 he represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing second. Since 2008 Michael has been a regular presenter on Radio 2, most recently taking over from the much missed Steve Wright to host Love Songs on Sunday mornings in 2024.

Michael is set to release his new album Glow next month before an extensive UK tour begins on the 26th August in Cambridge.

A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 2.