Ardal O’Hanlon recently opened up about his career and personal anecdotes while promoting his upcoming projects, including the second season of the popular series Return to Paradise. The new season is set to premiere on November 15, 2023, on BBC1 in the UK and ABC in Australia. O’Hanlon’s candid reflections reveal a humorous side to his journey as a comedian and actor.
During a light-hearted interview, O’Hanlon was asked to create the longest word possible from the letters in his name, leading to a comical mishap when a stage manager mistakenly called him “Anal” over the PA system at a show in Limerick, Ireland. He recalled, “It was quite annoying, especially as I pride myself on my word skills.”
In a discussion about his most memorable moments on stage, O’Hanlon recounted a particularly embarrassing incident when he fell asleep during a performance at the Empire in Belfast. “I could hear someone doing my material and got annoyed. When I woke up, I realized it was me,” he explained, adding that it was a terrifying, out-of-body experience.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, O’Hanlon mentioned the competitive nature of acting. He humorously identified his “nemesis” as fellow Irish actor Peter McDonald, who seemed to land every role O’Hanlon pursued early in his dramatic career. “He’s a good friend now, but at the time, I resented him,” he admitted.
O’Hanlon also touched on his unique experiences performing in challenging venues, including prisons. While he found the performances for murderers and thieves engaging, he expressed discomfort with performing for sex offenders, stating, “I don’t think I helped to rehabilitate them in any way.”
When asked about his iconic role as Father Dougal in the beloved series Father Ted, O’Hanlon shared that he regretted not keeping any of the character’s famous knitted tank tops. “I’ve given them away to charities over the years. It’s a pity. I like a tank top but can’t really be seen wearing them in public,” he said.
One of his most cringeworthy celebrity encounters involved musician Van Morrison. O’Hanlon recounted a moment at a tribute event where he found himself in Morrison’s private restroom. “When I came out, he recognized me and gave me what I can only describe as a very friendly head-butt,” he laughed.
The conversation continued with O’Hanlon discussing his recent work on the Irish-language show Inis na nIontas, aired on TG4 in 2024, which explored the islands around Ireland’s coast. He expressed a desire to explore Japan next, humorously noting, “I’d have to do it in English. My Irish isn’t that good.”
O’Hanlon also shared a humorous anecdote about his cooking attempts during the Covid-19 pandemic. He attempted to make sauerkraut, which remains untouched in his fridge three years later. “It requires discipline, which I apparently lack,” he quipped.
As the conversation turned more serious, O’Hanlon revealed his fear of water, stemming from a harrowing experience while filming Death in Paradise. He recalled a sailing trip that turned dangerous when a sudden storm arose. “We all thought that was it. People were praying and crying,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.
O’Hanlon’s reflections encapsulate the blend of humor and honesty that has endeared him to audiences. His tour, titled Ardal O’Hanlon: Not Himself, runs through November 16, 2023, with a return planned for March 2026. As he prepares for these performances, O’Hanlon continues to engage fans with his unique stories, ensuring that laughter remains at the heart of his journey.
