The Shape I’m In: Tom Dunne

TOM DUNNE is fizzing with energy. 

It may have something to do with his recent Presbia treatment from Optilase eye clinic to correct his age-related near vision — “I don’t even know where my glasses are now” — but I suspect it’s a default setting.

From his early days as lead singer for Something Happens to today, where he presents a mix of music and chat five nights a week on Newstalk, takes on additional childcare while his wife Audrey McDonald runs her new restaurant (The Cookbook Cafe in Glasthule), records voicesovers and walks the paws off Murph, the family cocker spaniel, there seems to have been no let up along the way.

His daughters Eva, 9, and Skye, 7, take after their mum when it comes to hobbies. “They both cook. Eva cooks around the clock — let her loose in the kitchen and she will do a lemon meringue pie. She will do everything including blind bake the pastry.”

* See: www.optilase.com

What shape are you in?

Very poor shape. I’ve fallen off the fitness horse. I find my days are too random to be able to get into a gym. I’m pulled in different directions with all the different things that I do. The kids are a huge part of it.

Healthiest eating habits?

I have porridge in the morning and sourdough toast, a light lunch and at dinner time we’d have healthy enough food — pasta and chicken and always a salad.

Guiltiest pleasures?

Coming home, particularly after the show, and having a sandwich and a glass of wine. The show is over at 12, so I’m not in the door until 12.30. It is the worst possible time to be eating. And there is no one to stop me.

What would keep you awake at night?

Alcohol. We don’t drink Monday to Thursday and we sleep like babies. We’ve a few glasses of wine at the weekend and we don’t sleep well.

How do you relax?

If I do get a second it’s watching Manchester United. It’s become more obsessive in the last few years.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I ‘d want Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs, Audrey would want Tommy Lee Jones and Brad Pitt.

What’s your favourite smell?

Something with garlic on it. A restaurant smell. Or a turf fire.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I’d like to lose weight — a stone lighter than I am now.

What traits do you least like in others?

I am always amazed by people who have incredible self-confidence. You just wonder.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Procrastination.

What would cheer up your day?

Some really important signings for Manchester United or if Louis Van Gaal extended his contract.