Life

Q&A: Shane Lynch on Boyzone, cars and The Archers

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week: Shane Lynch

Boyzone's Shane Lynch with a DeLorean during filming in Texas for his new TV series, Supercar Megabuild on National Geographic Picture: National Geographic/Hassan Ghazi
Boyzone's Shane Lynch with a DeLorean during filming in Texas for his new TV series, Supercar Megabuild on National Geographic Picture: National Geographic/Hassan Ghazi Boyzone's Shane Lynch with a DeLorean during filming in Texas for his new TV series, Supercar Megabuild on National Geographic Picture: National Geographic/Hassan Ghazi

1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?

I left school at 14 and followed my passion of fixing engines and being a car mechanic. At about 17 I was told I had a look which would be perfect for a boyband and would I like to try out. My sisters (Keavy and Edele Lynch – B*witched) were into music, but I was shy and not into performing. Something inside me said 'go for it' and I ended up in Boyzone. That gave me an unbelievable platform to step into motorsport at a level I probably wouldn't have dreamt of.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

Recently I saw Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy's Boyzlife tour in Birmingham. It was a great night out – you get the back story, emotion and understanding of why Boyzone and Westlife happened and you get their biggest hits.

3. Fantasy birthday party band?

Public Enemy, Imelda May, Nicki Minaj and Michael Jackson.

4. The record you'd take to a desert island?

I'm more a Radio 4 guy. I don't even own any CDs or downloads any more. I guess it would have to be a recording of The Archers.

5. And the book?

A magazine on plants to help me identify what I could and couldn't eat.

6. Top three films?

Fast And The Furious 8 – The Fate Of The Furious. I'm a massive fan of all the Fast movies. It's car porn.

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

The Ghost in a Shell.

8. Favourite authors?

I'm dyslexic, so reading is not my thing.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

I'm in my 10th year competing in British Drifting Championships. I will hopefully get over to Ireland to compete in the the Irish Drift Championships at Mondello Park this summer.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

I've travelled the world and continue to see glorious places. It's about experience – maybe it's still to come.

11. Pet hate?

Nothing annoys me, I'm pretty chilled out.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Beer and burger if not in training. Lobster, shellfish and raw sushi if I've a race coming up.

Dessert? I'd rather eat another burger.

Drink? Fosters Light beer.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

I'd love to say my wife, but she's not simply because we are like chalk and cheese. I spend a lot of time by myself – I'm great company.

14. Is there a God?

Open your eyes and look around you. How can there not be? I used to know the devil, but now I know God and talk to him.

:: Shane Lynch steps into the driver's seat as host of Supercar Megabuild, which starts on May 25 at 8pm on National Geographic.