How do you unwind at the weekend?
I unwind by seeing the three grandkids – Johnny Linehan, who’s 24, and wee Eve Luney, who’s six, and her brother, wee Paul, who’s four. Johnny is very good at guitar and drums – so may become a musician.
Of course, I’ve been busy with the role of Lizzie Small in Happy Medium, who only discovers she’s got 'the gift' halfway through the show. It’s more funny than sad.
I go to Fortwilliam Golf Club and was a keen player until I had both my knees replaced – but that was five stone ago. I’ve seen Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy play. I remember seeing Rory, age eight, hitting balls into an old washing machine on The Kelly Show. Such talent. My handicap was 16, then 18, then 24; and when I played my match as captain, I played off 36. Now it’s the 19th hole.
What do you recall about weekends growing up?
We lived in north Belfast and I was always playing football. I played until I was 40 and ended up captaining Millican. I support Man Utd and my favourite player is Brazillian player Casemiro, when I was younger it was George Best, who was a total gentleman.
I have two brothers and two sisters – my eldest sister, Eileen, had Down syndrome and died when she was 60. I would often hang out with my siblings and cousins. Eamonn Holmes is my wife Brenda’s cousin and we’ve known each other since primary school. I would fix his car then. Whenever he’s over, he’d give me a shout.
Do you have a must-listen radio programme or podcast?
I don’t listen to podcasts, just appear on them, including one with Diona Doherty from The Blame Game.
Is there a must-watch TV programme?
Match of the Day.
Is Sunday still special?
Yes, it’s a special day with the fry in the morning, then soup before we head to the (golf) club. I was brought up going to Church – first the Sacred Heart – then the Holy Family (both in Belfast), but I don’t go now.
Have you a favourite eatery or is it a takeaway?
The Fortwilliam Golf Club restaurant is second to none. They make great Charlie Drakes (steaks), and I like their sea bass.
How do you feel on Sunday evening about Monday morning?
Being May McFettridge is great when you see you’ve made people laugh. But it’s just a job and I try not to work at weekends. People seem to like the improvised section. "I can tell you’re not from here, where do you come from – Kent? Ah yes, a woman I asked in the audience once said she came from Kent and I said, ‘Well, I just asked you a question, you don’t have to be rude’."
The Happy Medium runs at The Grand Opera House, Belfast goh.co.uk from April 18-22 and is on tour, including The Millennium Forum, Derry, millenniumforum.co.uk on April 25.
