On a whim I rang the doorbell and out came Auntie Jean - 94 years old -and Auntie Nora, four doors down, who's 90. 'I really went back to my roots and found the street where my gran lived and I had spent so much time as a kid. I can’t wait to see my family again, make new friends, visit places I’ve never been to before and share with everyone the glory of Wonderful Wales. 'Wales is a country of staggering beauty, extraordinary history and proud, passionate people. Some of the best audiences I’ve ever performed in front of, and some of my most memorable nights out, have been in Wales. 'I’m so excited about returning to the ‘land of song’, the land of my Fathers…well, actually my Mothers! Some of my fondest memories growing up were spent in the mining village of Mountain Ash with my gran. I hope that by watching the series viewers will understand why I love Wales so much. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun! I laughed a lot, but it was very moving as well. Michael Ball says: “If I’m honest, I just wanted to get out of the house after lockdown! Seriously, it was lovely seeing family and friends, going back to the places I know and love, and discovering the rest of this incredible country. Michael Ball on what appealed about this Wonderful Wales series. We don't yet know if the series will be shown worldwide but we'll update when we hear. Wonderful Wales with Michael Ball (now called Michael Ball's Wonderful Wales) starts on Channel 5 on Friday July 9 at 8pm, and the remaining three episodes of the four-parter should run weekly from then. Wonderful Wales With Michael Ball start date.

Read our full interview about Wonderful Wales with Michael Ball below.

We caught up with Michael Ball for a chat, zooming into the London Coliseum, as he was taking a break from rehearsals for a limited summer run of Hairspray, where he reprises his legendary role of Edna Turnblad. Michael will also be performing with a choir at the end of every episode with the stunning Welsh landscape as a backdrop. With a dramatic backdrop of majestic mountains and vast valleys, Michael not only discovers his own Welsh ancestry, but meets the people of Wales to hear untold stories of a country, plus myths and legends. In Wonderful Wales with Michael Ball (now retitled Michael Ball's Wonderful Wales ), Michael receives 'a welcome in the hillsides' as he explores the historical traditions and treasures of Wales, its cultural heritage, and Celtic pride, the Welsh language plus the stunning landscapes and scenery of Wales.

Who sings wonderful tonight