For decades, Michael Ball has been one of Britain’s most beloved musical theatre stars, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances on stage. But away from the spotlight, it is his family, personal loss and unexpected journey into grandfatherhood that he says have truly shaped the man he is today.

In a candid new interview, the West End icon reflected on everything from his difficult childhood and the grandmother who inspired his career to the heartbreaking loss of his mother and the family life that now brings him the greatest happiness.

A Childhood Marked by Loneliness

Although Ball remembers being a cheerful child who loved singing and superheroes, one experience left a lasting impact.

At the age of 10, he was sent to boarding school in Plymouth—a decision he says never suited him.

Describing the experience as deeply unhappy, Ball admitted he struggled with the strict environment and constantly missed his parents. Returning home during school holidays didn’t make things easier, as he felt isolated and disconnected from other children in his hometown of Farnham, Surrey.

Looking back, he believes boarding school simply wasn’t the right environment for him.

The Grandmother Who Sparked His Dream

Ball credits two people for inspiring his love of performing.

His father, who had once dreamed of becoming an actor himself, introduced him to the theatre when he was just 14 years old.

But it was his beloved grandmother, Agnes—known affectionately as Lil—who truly encouraged his creative side.

The pair would perform comedy sketches together, and Ball says she immediately recognised something special in him.

Her influence stayed with him throughout his career. In fact, he revealed that much of his award-winning portrayal of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray was inspired by Lil’s larger-than-life personality, warmth and unmistakable presence.

Saying Goodbye to His Mother

One of the most emotional chapters of Ball’s life came last year with the death of his mother, Ruth.

Remembering her as a fiercely independent and determined woman, he recalled the unforgettable way she celebrated her 90th birthday.

Rather than choosing a glamorous dinner or lavish party, Ruth asked for something far more adventurous—a Welsh dragon tattoo and a ride on the fastest, longest zip wire in North Wales.

Ball happily made both wishes come true, creating what became one of the family’s most treasured memories.

Ruth passed away in hospital last August at the age of 91 following serious heart problems.

During her final days, Ball remained constantly by her side, even sleeping on the hospital floor so she would never be alone.

On her last night, he and his sister Katherine held her hand until she peacefully passed away in the early hours of the morning.

Despite the heartbreak, Ball says there was comfort in knowing nothing had been left unsaid between them, describing her passing as peaceful and filled with love.

He also shared that his 92-year-old father continues to live with dementia but still recognises his family and remains happy.

The Family He Never Expected

Away from the stage, Ball says the greatest surprise of his life has been becoming part of the family he shares with longtime partner Cath.

When the couple met in the 1980s, Cath already had a teenage daughter, Emma.

Over the years, Ball became a devoted father figure, later welcoming Emma’s children, Connor and Gracie, into his life.

Connor has since built a successful fitness coaching business, while Gracie proudly represents Team GB in rugby.

Ball and Cath were even able to cheer her on in Paris during the Olympic Games—one of their proudest family moments.

The couple have also embraced grandparenthood in their own unique way.

Not wanting traditional grandparent titles, Cath chose to be called “Bumpy” after Connor struggled to pronounce “Grumpy” as a baby, while Michael affectionately became known simply as “Bally.”

Today, Ball says he never imagined that family life would become the centre of his world.

The unexpected joy of watching his children and grandchildren grow has given him a sense of purpose beyond anything he experienced under the bright lights of the theatre.

After a lifetime of standing ovations, Michael Ball says the moments that matter most now happen far away from the stage—with the people he loves most.