Funny girl: Maria Tecce

MARIA Tecce is the new Nuala — the latest to join comedy singing trio, The Nualas.

It all “just kind of happened”, says the Boston native, who “ended up in Ireland having been lured here by a crazy and adorable Irishman”.

“It was a real challenge, because I’d never done comedy before. I was really afraid of letting the side down. Comedy is like bootcamp for performers.”

In her early 40s, Maria was brought up in an Italian immigrant family and got Irish citizenship in 2010.

Recent years have been busy — she played saucy courtesan, Emelie, in Les Liaisons Dengereuses, a role that required partial nudity. She performed her show, Strapless, at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, launched her third album, Viva, and sang with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in the Grand Canal Theatre.

Maria’s no longer with the man who tempted her to come to Ireland — she’s newly single and feels “fantastic” about that.

¦ The Nualas Christmas Special, The Button Factory, Dublin, on Sun, Dec 16.

What shape are you in?

I’m not as good as I have been. I’m so busy that I really don’t exercise. I walk everywhere in town and I cycle, but I don’t do any extra-curricular exercise. I did kick-boxing for a while.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’ve been hypoglycaemic, so I have to watch how much sugar I take. I had an injury to my lower spine last year and ended up in hospital. It was really debilitating and I couldn’t walk. Since then, I’ve had to really watch my back. I do physiotherapy every week. It knocked me back and it reminded me I’m not 25 anymore.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I try to eat as healthily as possible. I’m Italian, so I love my food. I’m not a fish-and-chips sort of person — I love my meat and two veg. I also love Japanese food. I’m not always home to cook, so I eat out quite a lot.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I adore chocolate.

What would keep you awake at night?

Stress with a capital ‘S’. I don’t feel it so much working with The Nualas, because the three of us handle everything, but doing my own shows is hugely stressful — the buck begins and ends with me.

How do you relax?

I love dancing — going out for a good dance. Hanging out with my friends helps me to destress — my friends have become my family here.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Patti Smith, Bill Clinton, because he’d be cool and he blows a mean sax, and Graham Norton — he’d be great craic.

What’s your favourite smell?

Freshly laundered sheets.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’m pretty cool with the whole package, at the moment. It wasn’t always that way, but I am now. Maybe I’d change the huge bunions on my feet — I’ve got them from wearing bad shoes when I was younger. I’ve got dancer’s feet.

When did you last cry?

When I got my citizenship and the actual certificate came in the mail.

What trait do you least like in others?

Rudeness — I find it very unattractive.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I think I’m very emotional. I fall in love too easily. I’m a romantic at heart — I was brought up as a lady and I love vintage things.

Do you pray?

Yes.

What would cheer up your day?

A nice smile from a stranger is always a cheery thing. So is a bit of sunshine. Pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast cheers me up no end.