Mark’s Interview – Tour Book – The Love Tour 2007

What was the best thing that happened to you in 2006?

‘Me and Kev got a dog, a girl dog, Saffy is her name, like the girl from Ab Fab. Nice to have a female presence around the house!’

What are you most looking forward to in 2007?

‘A nice break in the summer; long summer evenings; summer nights. It’s all about the summer for me right now!’

What’s your biggest luxury?

‘Probably some art I bought, and going on nice holidays when I want to.’

What’s your greatest fear?

‘I still can’t believe Jennie Bond got in a coffin with rats on I’m A Celebrity… and was fine about it: doing that would be one of them.’

What’s your favourite album or song right now?

‘I’ve liked Amy Winehouse for years and was always telling the other lads about her and they wouldn’t listen. (I love being right!) I like chart and pop and rock and club music but mostly I listen to my own personal collection on my iPod which is quite diverse really.’

What’s your current favourite food?

‘I don’t eat Sushi but Yo Sushi! do amazing chicken and beef which is lovely. If you’re really hungry, you can go in there and two seconds after you sit down, you’re eating. Japanese food and anything cooked by my mum or Kev is always perfect.’

What’s the last thing you bought?

‘Well, lots of presents for Kev as it was Christmas, our anniversary, Valentine’s and his birthday all within days of each other, so he’s been spoilt lately. And about five pairs of trainers the other day for myself – and I don’t even like shopping!’

What’s the one thing you never travel without?

‘My phone. I always have my credit card with me too. Just in case.’

Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday?

‘I want to go to South America and I want to go back to New York. I’ve been there a few times and I love the vibe of that city.’

Who’s your hero?

‘Musically, I think Steve Wonder and Prince. They set the standard for everyone else and they’ve inspired every possible musician. Also, my parents, and doctors and hospital staff. I have lots!’

What one question would you like to answer to?

What are the lottery numbers for next week?

What’s your biggest wish right now?

‘Just to remain happy, to be honest with you. You can have everything else in the world but if you’re not happy, it means nothing.’

If you weren’t in Westlife, what would you do?

‘Hard to say. Something to do with the arts probably.’

What would be the perfect present someone could buy you?

‘I dunno; I prefer surprises.’

How would you describe yourself?

‘Indecisive, genuine and crap at getting up in the morning.’

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

‘Thankfully, I’m gradually conquering my fear of birds. I had a parrot on my shoulder the other week!’