The Shape I'm In: Aidan Power makes it look easy

WHEN Aidan Power stands in front of the cameras — all smiles and bullet-speed delivery — at the O2 Arena to present The Hit, it looks as if he hasn’t a care in the world.

“You just get used to it,” he says of the phenomenal pressure. “It’s that well-worn cliche about the swan — you’ve got to look graceful but underneath the feet are paddling like mad. But you’re on your game and make it look very relaxed.”

Power co-presents the show with former Westlife star Nicky Byrne. It’s a tight operation. “You can’t be making it up as you go along. It’s a huge production and to get a show like that on air takes a lot of work and a fair bit of rehearsal.”

Ratings are good and he is enjoying the buzz and feedback about the show. “The only thing the jury seems to be out on is those bloody dickey bows they had us wearing the first week. There’s great debate over that.”

From Templeogue in Dublin, Aidan’s interest in broadcasting started at an early age.

“My brother and I used to make our own little radio shows in the dining room on a tape recorder. We used to do fake interviews and that kind of stuff,” he says.

There is no history of broadcasting in the family but Aidan reckons that his dad Pierce, who worked as a communications officer in the Navy, may have been an influence.

His mother, Marie, is his trusted sounding board and will always tell it like it is.

“If I am not good she’ll tell me.”

Aged 34 and single, he is not without his admirers. One commenter on the RTÉ website described him as ‘hot’. He hasn’t seen the post but says, “I’ll take any compliment I can get.”

* The Hit, RTÉ One, 9.35pm, Fridays.

What shape are you in?

Relatively good. I train regularly in the gym and I eat very well four or five days of the week and then I undo all the good work at the weekend. Boxing is 99% of what I do. Recently, I’ve also tried mixed martial arts — there’s a lot of elements to it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

On the good days I am very good. In the morning, I’d have a couple of slices of wholegrain toast and then I’d make a smoothie with oats,blueberries and eggs. Later, I’ll eat a piece of lean meat a lot of green vegetables and a very small amount of good carbs like brown rice and sweet potatoes. I try to eat that over five meals a day rather than three.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

A trip to McDonald’s for a Big Mac. It’s rare but when I have one I would enjoy every minute of it. Or we’d have a few pints on Friday night after the show in the Gibson Hotel next door to the O2. And I love tiramisu after some nice red wine and a good meal.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I exercise too late in the evening — that usually keeps me awake.

How do you relax?

Hitting a bag in the gym is a great relaxer for me. I also love going to the cinema or having a bite to eat in town. Just having a bit of lunch sometimes — even if I’m on my own I am happy with that. I am good on my own.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

That would have to be actress Mila Kunis. I’d have Frank Sinatra there, too. He can do the singing and serenade us.

What is your favourite smell?

Coffee beans. I have an Nespresso machine and I absolutely love it. It’s a real treat in the morning. I like strong coffee — no sugar, no milk.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I would probably like to be a little bit taller. I’m 5ft 7½in — the half inch is important when you are that height. But in my head I am 6ft.

When did you last cry?

I would be quite an emotional person. Sport would get me all the time — I cried when Alex Ferguson left Man United last year.

What trait do you least like in other people?

Jealously and pettiness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I can be a bit stubborn.

Do you pray?

Now and again. But, like most lapsed Catholics, it’s only when I need something.

What would cheer up your day?

The sunshine — simple as that.