Sprinkle of magic

THIS is Linda Martin’s third panto season with Jedward.

She appears with the high-energy duo in Jedward And The Magic Lamp at The Olympia Theatre from Dec 19 to Jan 6.

Linda describes John and Edward as “the two sons I never had”. The boys just get nicer the more she works with them, she says. “They’re beautiful boys, well brought up. I know their mum and dad quite well — they set the example for the boys and treat people the way they’d like to be treated. I have yet to hear Jedward say anything bad about anybody. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, they treat their fans like gold dust.”

When starting out, Linda — whose partner, Ronan, is not in showbusiness — wanted to study veterinary medicine. “Sometimes I regret going into showbusiness but then you get another buzz, another high.”

The Belfast-born TV personality and former Eurovision singer says she grew up eating what was put in front of her. “Potatoes and porridge figured a lot. That’s still my breakfast — a big bowl of porridge.”

* Tickets for Jedward And The Magic Lamp are on sale from Ticketmaster and usual outlets.

What shape are you in?

I’m still blessed with energy and I am in very good physical shape. I’m outdoors as much as possible, whether it’s with horses or dogs — I wouldn’t be able to sit in front of the television. I take my cod liver oil tablets everyday — otherwise, I take nothing.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’m relatively healthy — I can’t think of anything I’d moan about. In the last couple of years, I get affected by sinus issues from time to time. I put it down to dust and to dogs. This weekend I’m going to be grooming dogs — by Monday, I’ll be all clogged up but a couple of days later it’ll be gone. I don’t take medicine for it. I just live with it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Cheese and yoghurt — anything pretty natural. If I could live on just fruit, cheese and yoghurt, I would.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Dorito Chilli Heatwave —– I can eat a whole packet at once.

What would keep you awake at night?

Nothing — I could sleep on a rope. It’s because I’m so active during the day. I’m usually up at 8.15am and I’d be asleep at midnight. But if I’m working, everything goes arseways.

How do you relax?

I’m a voracious reader. I also relax when I’m in my tracksuit, no hair done, no make-up, in front of the TV watching Cornonation Street or a gardening show. Gardening for me is very therapeutic.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Michael Winners would be top of the list. I know he’d be a nightmare but I’d still have him. I’d bring Louis Walsh because, with those two, sparks would fly.

When did you last cry?

We lost one of our old ladies — a dog. She had to be put to sleep four or five weeks ago. We had her 12 years and she went downhill very rapidly. She was a gentle old thing.

What’s your favourite smell?

White lily – I absolutely adore it.

What trait do you least like in others?

Rudeness. Manners maketh the man. There’s a lot to be said for someone with good manners.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Impatience – I want everything done yesterday.

Do you pray?

I do. I’m not a regular churchgoer but I believe in something. I pray to my mom. I think we are connected all the time – I feel her presence when I get down or something upsets me.

What would cheer up your day?

A little dog that we’ve rescued showing the first signs of recovery. It’s that little spark of hope that makes you smile.