MICHAEL FLATLEY SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY TO TV3 IN HIS FIRST IRISH MEDIA INTERVIEW FOR OVER TWO YEARS!

TV3 GROUP NEWS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE:  Wednesday 21st January 2009

MICHAEL FLATLEY SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY TO TV3 IN HIS FIRST IRISH MEDIA INTERVIEW FOR OVER TWO YEARS!

MICHAEL FLATLEY: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, 8PM ON FRIDAY 23rd JANUARY ON TV3

On Friday January 23rd Michael Flatley talks exclusively to TV3 for a series of special interviews
Michael talks about his recovery after a long illness
How life has completely changed since his son came along
He speaks of Lord of the Dance, how he leads every production and if he falls, the whole show falls

For the first time in two years, Michael Flatley speaks exclusively to TV3 for a series of special programmes and interviews, including a Midday special, an interview with Aisling O'Loughlin on Xposé and TV3 exclusive Michael Flatley: Up Close and Personal which airs at 8pm, followed by brand new Superstars of Dance, Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller's latest talent-competition project, hosted by Michael Flatley and Susie Castillo.

For the Michael Flatley: Up Close and Personal interview, Michael talks exclusively to TV3's Alan Cantwell at his luxurious home in Castlehyde in Fermoy, Cork, as he conducts his first Irish interview in over two years for the TV3 special.  It is the first time that Michael has spoken about his illness, how he was bedridden and thought his career was over. He explains that due to his hectic lifestyle and career, his body completely shut down and his immune system was unable to fight the virus that he contracted.

He speaks about Lord of the Dance, how he leads every production and if he falls, the whole show falls. Many people were counting on him and that is why it is so important for him to keep going.

Michael remembers Riverdance and how he had no idea what it would lead to.   Contrary to what people may think, Michael stresses that one of the main reasons that he has moved to Cork is because he does not like being in the limelight and prefers to enjoy private life with his wife, Niamh and son. He also jokes that the highflying nightlife is not his thing and he would rather wine and dine Niamh than hit the tiles.

It is almost two years since his son, Michael St. James was born and the proud father explains that his life has completely changed. Instead of waking up first thing in the morning to do business, he now wakes up and plays with his son. He talks about juggling his career with home life. He smiles as he tells Alan that he has welcomed this change and how he really enjoys life after his traumatic experience.

Michael speaks to TV3 ahead of his new show, Superstars of Dance which airs at 9pm this Friday 23rd January. The show is hosted by Michael Flatley and Susie Castillo, Superstars of Dance is Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller's latest talent-competition project. The series follows groups of dancers representing eight different countries as they compete against each other by showing off their dancing skills.

TV3 Presenter, Alan Cantwell said:  "Michael Flatley was one of the most hospitable individuals I have ever met. I was delighted to see how well he looked given what had been reported about his health. I found his honesty refreshing."

Midday - Michael Flatley Special on Friday 23rd January at 11:50am.
Xposé - Aisling O'Loughlin also talks exclusively to Michael on Xposé, Friday 23rd January at 6pm.
TV3 Special - Michael Flatley: Up Close and Personal, Friday 23rd January at 8pm.
Superstars of Dance on Friday 23rd January at 9pm.

Alan Cantwell is available for interview on request.

Ends.

For further information:

Maureen Catterson
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+353 1 419 3430
publicity@tv3.ie