Michael Ball

For other people named Michael Ball, seeMichael Ball (disambiguation).

Michael Ashley BallOBE(born 27 June 1962) is an English singer, presenter and actor. In 1985, he made hisWest Enddebut asMarius Pontmercyin the original production ofLes Misérables.In 1989, he reached number two in theUK Singles Chartwith "Love Changes Everything",from the musicalAspects of Love,where he played Alex Dillingham. He played the role in the West End and onBroadway.His albumComing Home To Youreached number one in the UK making it his 4th number one album to date. On 24 April 2020, Ball andCaptain Tom Mooreentered theUK Singles Chartat number one with a cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone",with combined chart sales of 82,000 making it the fastest-selling single of 2020.

Michael Ball OBE
Michael Ball,Waterstones,London, 2023
Born	Michael Ashley Ball (1962-06-27)27 June 1962 Bromsgrove,Worcestershire,England
Alma mater	Guildford School of Acting
Occupations	Singer actor presenter
Years active	1984–present
Known for	Les Misérables Aspects of Love Hairspray
Partner(s)	Cathy McGowan (1992–present)
Musical career
Genres	Pop soft rock musical theatre easy listening
Labels	Universal
Website	michaelball.co.uk

In 1992, Ball represented theUnited Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest,finishing second with the song "One Step Out of Time".In 1995, he reprised the role of Marius inLes Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert.His other West End roles includeRaoul de ChagnyinThe Phantom of the Opera(1987), Giorgio Bachetti inPassion(1996), andCaractacus PottsinChitty Chitty Bang Bang(2002). In 2004, he playedJean Valjeanin a concert performance ofLes Misérablesfor the Queen atWindsor Castle.He has twice won theLaurence Olivier AwardforBest Actor in a Musical.He won in 2008 for his role as Edna Turnblad inHairspray,and then in 2013 forthe title rolein the revival ofSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.In 2018, he played Anatoly Sergievsky in the West End revival ofChess,and he returned toLes Misérablesin 2019 and 2020 asInspector Javert.He reprised his role of Edna Turnblad in the 2021 revival ofHairsprayand in 2023 played the other leading male role of Sir George Dillingham in a revival ofAspects of Love.In 2024, Ball will reprise the role of Javert inLes Misérables: The Arena Spectacular World Tour.

Ball was appointed Officer of theOrder of the British Empire(OBE) in the2015 Birthday Honoursfor his services to musical theatre.

Early life

Ball was born inBromsgrove,Worcestershire,to a Welsh mother and an English father. His father Tony, who originally wanted to be an actor, trained as anAustinapprentice at theLongbridge plantand progressed to become head of global sales atBritish Leyland.He was awarded an MBE for services to industry.Ball's maternal grandfather was a coal miner. Ball has a brother, Kevin, four years his senior and a sister, Katherine, almost a decade his junior. He moved toDartmoorwith his parents when he was three years old. He has never had singing lessons, but as a boy he learned to sing by singing along to music, for example; songs byElla Fitzgerald,Mahalia JacksonandFrank Sinatra.When he was 11 years old he went toPlymouth College,an independent boarding school, because his parents thought this would give him a good education. However this made him unhappy, as he did not fit into the academic and sporting environment at the school at that time.He did join his fellow junior boarders on Sunday morning at the Pathfinder bible group in St Andrew's church. One summer he went to Pathfinder camp on the isle of Jersey.

Ball was interested in the theatre and his father took him to see shows in the school holidays, including aRoyal Shakespeare Companyproduction at theRoyal Shakespeare TheatreofKing Lear,which impressed him as a youngster of about 14 years' age. He joined a youth theatre, which led to his studying drama atGuildford School of Acting,where he found an environment that suited him. As a student he went busking on Saturdays inGuildfordtown with a female student friend to earn a little extra money. He graduated in 1984. After his graduation, Ball's singing career rapidly got off the ground. His maternal grandmother, having a musical ear, was proud of Ball's early singing achievements; she died suddenly, however, of a heart attack about one week before his debut inThe Pirates of Penzance.

Theatre

Further information:Michael Ball stage credits

In 1984, after he had left drama school, Ball's first part was inGodspellatAberystwythArts Centre, after which he worked for a few months in rep in Basingstoke,but his first major break was a star part in the production ofThe Pirates of PenzanceatManchester Opera House;at an open audition he was selected from about 600 applicants who formed a queue to do singing, acting, and dancing interviews, which were held in three separate rooms. His next important role came whenCameron Mackintoshcast him asMariusin the original London cast ofLes Misérables,but he caughtglandular feverand he took six or seven weeks off sick to recover from the associatedtonsillitisandpost-viral fatigue.When he returned to work he was still suffering from fatigue, and began to get on-stagepanic attacks— overwhelming anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and problems with vision. These also started happening at other times, such as when he was going to work. For most of the next nine months he lived alone in his flat feeling depressed; he did not seek therapy and leftLes Misérables.

Thames Televisioninvited Ball to sing during theMiss Englandcontest, a live televised event, and he sang well enough despite suffering from anxiety. When he viewed a recording later, he realised that no one would have noticed how nervous he was, and he became less worried about his anxiety problem.At about that time, Cameron Mackintosh asked Ball to playRaoulin the second casting ofThe Phantom of the Operain London, which was necessary afterMichael Crawford(who played the Phantom) andSteve Barton(who played Raoul) left the London show to appear in the Broadway staging in New York City. Mackintosh thought that Ball would not be under too much pressure as Raoul, and that the part was right for him.

Ball played Alex inAspects of Love,both in London and New York, and Giorgio in the London production ofStephen Sondheim'sPassion.Alone Togetherwas his one-man show first performed at theDonmar Warehouse(which was reprised in 2004 for theSingular Sensationsseason at the Haymarket). In 1998 Ball performed at three big concerts:The Fiftieth Birthday Concert ofAndrew Lloyd Webberat theRoyal Albert Hall(released on DVD),Sondheim Tonightat theBarbican Centre(released on CD) andHey, Mr. Producer: The Musical World ofCameron Mackintosh(released on CD and DVD). In 2002 he took on the role ofCaractacus Pottsin theSherman BrothersmusicalChitty Chitty Bang Bang,which was largely considered his comeback role.

In 2004, he co-starred withPetula Clarkin a production of Lloyd Webber'sSunset Boulevardat theCork Opera House,later broadcast by theBBC.Later the same year he was a guest star at Clark's Concert, also broadcast by the BBC. He sang three tracks from his latest album,Since You've Been Gone;"Home" and "One Voice", as well as twoduetswith Clark. Other performances include singing at theBBC'sSt David's Dayconcert, in the role ofMariusat theLes Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert,the tenth anniversary concert ofLes Misérablesin 1995. A lyric baritone, Ball also sang the role ofValjeanat a special concert performance ofLes Misérablesfor the Queen and her guests atWindsor Castlein 2004. In 2005, with 10 days' notice, he replacedMichael Crawfordas Count Fosco inThe Woman in Whiteafter poor health forced Crawford to give up the role.

In November 2005, Ball returned to Broadway as Count Fosco inThe Woman in White,which transferred fromLondon's West End.He was, however, forced to leave the show because of a viral infection supposedly caused by the fat suit required for the role; this reportedly raised Ball's body temperature by several degrees during the show.

In September 2005, Ball made hisNew York City Operadebut as Reginald Bunthorne inGilbert and Sullivan'sPatience.He spent the first quarter of 2006 on complete vocal rest, following the illness that caused him to leaveThe Woman in Whiteon Broadway. By the middle of July, Ball had taken part in theRoyal Court Theatre's celebratory performance ofThe Rocky Horror Show.He took a leading role inKismetin June and July 2007 for theENO,and appeared onChannel 4'sRichard & Judyon 22 June 2007 to promote this production. He then appeared as the solo artist in a controversial 'Musical Theatre' Prom on 27 August 2007 for the BBC at London'sRoyal Albert Hall.Ball performed a wide range of musical theatre numbers, including several byAndrew Lloyd Webber.The show was broadcast live onBBC Four,as well as onBBC Radio 3.

From October 2007 – July 2009, Ball made his West End return starring as Edna Turnblad in the hit musicalHairsprayat theShaftesbury Theatrein London. In March 2008, he was awarded theLaurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musicalfor his portrayal. He also won theWhatsonstage Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Musicalfor his portrayal of Edna Turnblad. He recently starred in a new production ofSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Streetat theAdelphi Theatrein the West End, alongsideImelda StauntonasMrs. Lovett.The show premiered at theChichester Festival Theatrefor six weeks starting 24 September 2011 before transferring to London in March 2012.Michael and Imelda were both awarded Olivier awards, best actor and best actress in a musical for their Sweeney Todd performances. Ball starred as Mack in Mack and Mabel, which toured the UK in 2015.

In 2018, he starred as Anatoly Sergievsky in the West End revival ofSir Tim Rice’sChessat theLondon Coliseum.His co-stars includedTim Howar,Cassidy Janson,andAlexandra Burke.

It was announced in February 2019 that Ball will star asInspector JavertoppositeAlfie Boe(Jean Valjean) in a staged concert production of Les Misérables. The production will open on 10 August 2019, at the Gielgud Theatre and serve as a placeholder while the original West End production of Les Mis at the Queen's Theater is replaced withCameron Mackintosh's new staging of the show at the renamed Sondheim theatre. The staged concert was broadcast live to cinemas in the UK on 2 December 2019, and then encore showings in the UK and the USA. This staged concert has become the highest live stream concert at cinemas in UK history. The live stream also became available as a DVD and CD in early 2020. The concert was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 5 January 2020.

In 2021, Ball reprised his role as Edna Turnblad in a revival ofHairsprayat theLondon Coliseum,which opened in June of that year. In 2023, he played George Dillingham in a revival ofAspects of Loveat theLyric Theatre.In 2024, he's set to reprise the role of Javert inLes Misérables: The Arena Spectacular World Tour.

Recording work

Ball is a concert artist: he tours frequently around the United Kingdom and has also performed concerts in Australia and the United States. He has also had success in thechartswith hisrecordingwork. Since reaching Number 2 in theUK Singles Chartwith "Love Changes Everything" fromAspects of Love,Ball had lesser success with follow upsingles,but in the main has concentrated on releasing albums, all of which achievedgoldstatus within weeks, and in the case ofThe Moviesalbum in 1998, platinum in seven weeks (released 26 October, confirmed platinum status on 12 December).

Ball represented the UK in theEurovision Song Contest 1992held inMalmö,Sweden, singing the song "One Step Out of Time",which finished second. The single reached number 20 in the UK, while aneponymousalbum released in the same year reached number 1.This began a run of top 20 albums released over the next two decades. In July 2006, Ball was a guest artist onJulian Lloyd Webber's albumUnexpected Songsand in November of that year released a DVD containing all the best songs from hisLive in ConcertDVDs. This is split into five sections: Musicals, Love Songs, Personal Favourites, Party Time, and Unplugged. The DVD also included a brand new "Unplugged" session which Ball recorded especially with four other musicians in the studio. It was released on 20 November 2006. Ball took part in many promotional activities at the end of the 2006 to coincide with the release of his albumOne Voice.This involved singing the song "Home" on ITV'sGMTV,This Morning,and theBBC OneprogrammeThe Heaven and Earth Show,hosted byGloria Hunniford.

A new compilation album entitledMichael Ball: The Silver Collectionwas released in July 2007, along with the DVD version of his 1995 filmEngland My England.Towards the end of 2007, Ball recorded his 15th solo album for release on 15 October of that year. The album features songs all written byBurt Bacharachand is entitledBack to Bacharach.It was released along with a performance DVD of his 2007 tour,One Voice Live,filmed at London'sHammersmith Apollo.Promotional activities took place throughout October and November 2007 for these releases including appearances onFriday Night with Jonathan RossandLoose Women.

In February 2013, Ball released his album "Both Sides Now" featuring the song "Fight the Fight" fromTim Rice'snew musicalFrom Here to Eternity.

In November 2014, Ball released his new album,If Everyone Was Listening.In March 2019, he released the albumComing Home To You.The album reached number one in theUK Albums Chartand, although Ball has had many hits, this is his first solo number one selling album in 26 years.

He has recorded three albums with Alfie Boe. Two reached number 1;Ball & Boe: Togetherin 2016 andBall & Boe: Together Againin 2017. Their third album,Ball & Boe: Back Together in 2019reached number 2 in the UK Albums Chart.

In April 2020, Ball recorded a duet with 99 year oldWorld War IIveteranCaptain Tom Moore,in aid of the NHS during theCOVID-19 pandemic.Their cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone"reached number one in theUK Singles Charton 24 April, not only giving Ball his first chart-topping single at the age of 57, but also making Moore the oldest ever person in history to score a number one hit.

Television

As an actor, Ball briefly appeared as Malcolm Nuttall inCoronation Streetin 1985. Ball has also turned his hand to presenting both on TV and radio. Ball had his own TV series,Michael Ball,in 1993 and 1994 a Christmas Special in 1995 and a three-part series in 1998 filmed byBBC Cymru WalesBall in the Hall.These three episodes were combined to make a special which was then broadcast onBBC One.Ball has presentedThe National Lottery DrawsandChildren in Need.He guest presentedThis Morningfor a short period.

Ball co-judged the second series ofITVreality television showSoapstar Superstarin 2007. In 2010 Ball took part in the BBC Cymru Wales programmeComing Homeabout his Welsh family history.In 2010, Ball presented 30 episodes ofThe Michael Ball Show,his own daytime series forITV.In 2010 and 2011, Ball guest presented six episodes ofLorraineforITV Breakfast.

On 10 April 2013, Ball guest hostedThe One Showfor the first time as a stand-in presenter. He has presented the show on several occasions since. On 18 November 2013, Ball guest presented an episode of teatime chat showThe Paul O'Grady ShowafterPaul O'Gradywas taken ill.On 24 November 2013, he guest starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the British sitcomToast of London.On 29 December 2013, Ball was a contestant on a celebrity Christmas edition ofCatchphrase.

On 3 January 2014,BBC Fourbroadcast a special tribute programme to the lyricistDon BlackcalledDiamonds are Forever: A tribute to Don Blackwhich took place at theRoyal Festival Hallin London. Ball sang two songs on this show; the first was the songBorn Free,which won theAcademy Award for Best Original Songand was a hit for the British male singerMatt Monroin 1966. Black wrote the lyrics for this song and the music was composed byJohn Barryfor the film of the same name,Born Free.The second song Ball sang during the programme wasLove Changes Everything,a song that Black co-wrote with lyricistCharles Hartfor the musicalAspects of Love,composed byAndrew Lloyd Webber.This song was released as a single by Ball in 1989 and stayed in the British pop charts for fourteen weeks. TheBBC Concert Orchestraprovided the orchestral backing for Ball on both songs for this performance.

On 26 December 2014, Ball starred inVictoria Wood's musicalThat Day We Sang,reuniting him with hisSweeney Toddco-star Imelda Staunton.

Michael has fronted three ITV shows withAlfie Boe.They were broadcast in 2016, 2017 and 2019. 2016 -Ball and Boe: One Night Only 2017 -Ball and Boe: Back Together 2019 -Ball and Boe: A Very Merry Christmas

Radio

Ball hostedBall over BroadwayandThe GreenroomonBBC Radio 2and several specials on subjects such asNat King Cole,Cameron Mackintosh,andCy Coleman.

His first regular show on BBC Radio 2 wasMichael Ball's Sunday Brunchin 2008, replacingMichael Parkinsonwhose showParkinson's Sunday Supplementhad ended the previous year. The show aired on Sunday mornings between 11 am and 1 pm until September 2011, latterly sharing its time slot withWeekend Woganpresented byTerry Wogan.

After a short break, in 2013 Ball returned to Radio 2 with a new show,Sunday Night With Michael Ball,airing on Sunday evenings between 7 pm and 9 pm. Following the death of Sir Terry Wogan, Ball returned to the Sunday morning slot on 10 April 2016, with the show now titledThe Michael Ball Show.Claudia Winklemantook over the vacant Sunday evening slot later that month.

He was also a regular stand-in presenter forKen Bruceuntil 2016 on the station.

On 2 April 2024, it was announced that Ball would be moving from his 11am–1pm Sunday lunchtime slot in June to take overSunday Love Songsbetween 9am and 11am, following the death of long time hostSteve Wrightin February. He was replaced byPaddy McGuinness.He started his new show,Love Songs with Michael Ball,on 2 June 2024.

Recent career

Ball embarked on an extensive British tour during March and April 2007. There were 23 dates on the tour covering England,Scotland,Northern IrelandandWales.The tour started with two nights inBelfast,before a number of shows in the north of England and the Midlands. Ball then headed toGlasgowandAberdeenbefore returning for shows in London,BirminghamandNorthampton.Ball took a trip to his old home inPlymouthbefore embarking on the final leg of his tour. It saw Ball perform inIpswichand Northampton before ending his tour inCardiff.He made his debut with theEnglish National Operain the lead role of Hajj/Poet in a new production ofRobert WrightandGeorge Forrest'sKismetafter this tour.

In August 2007, he made hisBBC Promsdebut withAn Evening with Michael Ballat theRoyal Albert Hall,which marked the first time a musical theatre star had been given a solo concert at the classical music festival. Ball appeared in theRoyal Variety Performanceat theEmpire Theatrein Liverpool on 3 December 2007 singing "You Can't Stop the Beat"with the rest of the cast fromHairspray,the musical he was appearing in at the time. He continued in the role of Edna Turnblad in the musical at theShaftesbury Theatreuntil 29 April 2009. On 2 March 2008, Ball appeared as the guest on theBBC Radio 4showDesert Island Discs,during which he talked about his early life and his career, including his struggle with stage fright in his early career, and a little about his personal life.He performed a number of summer concerts, including the Hampton Court Music Festival on 14 June 2008. From 6 April 2008, Ball took overMichael Parkinson's Sunday SupplementonBBC Radio 2every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm Ball won the 2008Whatsonstage Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Musical.He also won the 2008Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical,his first Olivier Award.

Ball's solo albumPast and Presentwas released on 9 March 2009 byUniversal Music.The album includes a compilation of previously released material celebrating Ball's 25th anniversary in the music industry, as well as six new tracks, including "You Can't Stop the Beat", fromHairspray.Ball appeared on a number of television and radio programmes to promote the album. He toured the United Kingdom with an orchestra and five West End stars, (Louise Clare Marshall,Louise Dearman,Emma Williams,Adrian Hansel andBen James-Ellis), in the autumn, celebrating 25 years in the music industry. His concert at theRoyal Albert Hallon 19 September 2009 was filmed for DVD release. Ball performed in a "one-off" Christmas Concert on 12 December 2009 in aid ofThe Shooting Star Children's Hospice,which he supports. All profits made went to this charity. The Shooting Star Children's HospiceandCHASE Hospice Care for Childrenjoined to becomeShooting Star CHASEin 2011 and Ball is a patron for this charity.

On 14 February 2010, Ball stepped in as a guest judge forRobin CousinsonITV1'sDancing on Icewhile Cousins was inVancouverfor theWinter Olympics.On 10 February 2010, Ball recorded a television pilot for ITV1, which was commissioned as a full series in the summer, titledThe Michael Ball Show.

The 25th Anniversary Concert ofLes Misérableswas held atThe O2 Arena.It featuredAlfie BoeasJean Valjean,Norm LewisasJavert,Lea SalongaasFantine,Ramin KarimlooasEnjolras,Hadley FraserasGrantaire,Katie HallasCosette,Matt LucasasThénardier,Jenny GallowayasMadame Thénardier,Samantha BarksasÉponine,Nick JonasasMarius Pontmercy,the role Ball delivered in the original London production. Casts of the current London, international tour and original 1985 London productions took part, comprising an ensemble of 300 performers and musicians. Ball andColm Wilkinsonanchored the encore, with four Jean Valjeans singing "Bring Him Home":Wilkinson from the original London cast,John Owen-Jonesfrom the 25th Anniversary touring production,Simon Bowmanfrom the current London cast and Alfie Boe, who sang the role in the concert. The original 1985 cast then led the ensemble in a performance of "One Day More".After speeches fromCameron Mackintosh,Alain BoublilandClaude-Michel Schönberg,the performance concluded with pupils from school productions ofLes Misérablesentering the arena. The evening concert telecast live to cinemas across the UK, Ireland and globally. A Blu-ray and DVD version of the 2010 broadcast was released in November 2010 in the UK and in North America in February 2011.

Ball co-hosted theOlivier Awardswith Imelda Staunton on 13 March 2011 at theTheatre Royal, Drury Lane,London. His albumHeroeswas released on 14 March 2011. It entered the UK charts at number 10.

In 2013, Ball was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts fromUniversity of Plymouth.

In 2017, Ball backs children's fairy tales app GivingTales in aid of UNICEF together withRoger Moore,Stephen Fry,Ewan McGregor,Joan Collins,Joanna Lumley,Michael Caine,Charlotte RamplingandPaul McKenna.

On 29 March 2019, the album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.Coming Home to Youwas Michael Ball's fourth UK number one album, his first solo number one album in the UK since his self-titled debut album in 1992. Talking to the Official Charts Company, he said, "It's the most exciting news! Thank you so much for supporting the album, to the fans who've connected with it and bought it. The hard work has been worth it and this is just the icing on the cake. Amazing!".

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

In April 2020, to mark 99-year oldCaptain Tom Moorecompleting the first phase of his fundraising walk during theCOVID-19 pandemic,Ball sang "You'll Never Walk Alone"for him live onBBC Breakfast.Within 24 hours,the performance was recorded, and made into a digital single featuring the NHS Voices of Care Choir, and Moore's spoken words.Released by Decca Records,with all proceeds going toNHS Charities Together,the recording went straight to number one in the United Kingdom's "The Official Big Top 40"chart. It sold almost 36,000 copies in its first 48 hours,and was "biggest trending song" as measured by theOfficial Charts Company.On 24 April, it became No. 1 in the weekly "Official"UK Singles Chart,making Moore the oldest person to achieve that position and meaning that he will be at No. 1 on his 100th birthday.

Personal life

Ball lives with his partner, the former presenter ofReady Steady Go!,Cathy McGowaninBarnes,London.They met around 1989 when she was an entertainment reporter for aBBCLondon magazine show and interviewed him during rehearsals forAspects of Love.They have lived together since 1992. On 23 December 2000, she saved his life by dragging him out of a house fire.McGowan was previously married to actorHywel Bennett,the marriage producing a daughter, Emma. Ball is godfather to Emma's son.

Ball returned to theGuildford School of Actingin April 2022 to deliver a speech to the graduating postgraduates of that year. Whilst there, theUniversity of Surreyawarded Ball with anhonorary doctorate.

Ball's step granddaughterGrace Cromptonrepresents England atrugby sevensand was chosen for the2022 Commonwealth Games.

Stage credits

Further information:Michael Ball stage credits

Discography

Solo albums

See also:Michael Ball discography

• Michael Ball(1992)
• Always(1993)
• One Careful Owner(1994)
• First Love(1995)
• The Musicals(1996)
• The Movies(1998)
• The Very Best of Michael Ball – In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall(1999)
• Christmas(1999 & 2000)
• This Time... It's Personal(2000)
• Centre Stage(2001)
• A Love Story(2003)
• Love Changes Everything – The Essential Michael Ball(2004)
• Music(2005)
• One Voice(2006)
• Back to Bacharach(2007)
• Past and Present: The Very Best of Michael Ball(2009)
• Heroes(2011)
• Both Sides Now(2013)
• If Everyone Was Listening(2014)
• TogetherwithAlfie Boe(2016)
• Together Againwith Alfie Boe (2017)
• Coming Home to You(2019)
• Back Togetherwith Alfie Boe (2019)
• Together at Christmaswith Alfie Boe (2020)
• We Are More Than One(2021)
• Together in Vegaswith Alfie Boe (2022)
• Together at Homewith Alfie Boe (2024)

Cast recordings

• Les Misérables– Original London Cast(1985) asMarius Pontmercy
• Les Misérables– Complete Symphonic Recording(1988) asMarius Pontmercy
• Rage of the Heart – Concept Album(1989) asPeter Abelard
• Aspects of Love– Original London Cast(1989) as Alex Dillingham
• West Side Story– Studio Cast(1993) as Tony
• Les Misérables – 10th Anniversary – The Dream Cast in Concert(1995) asMarius Pontmercy
• Passion– Original London Cast in Concert(1997) as Georgio
• Sondheim Tonight(1998) – Concert Cast
• Hey, Mr. Producer: The Musical World of Cameron Mackintosh(1998) – Concert Cast, Raoul inThe Phantom of the Opera,Marius inLes Misérables
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang– Original London Cast(2002) as Caractacus Potts
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street– London Revival Cast(2012) asSweeney Todd
• Les Misérables– The Staged Concert(2019) asJavert

Filmography

Television

Year	Show	Role	Notes
1985	Coronation Street	Malcolm Nuttall
1993–1995	Michael Ball	Presenter
1998	Ball in the Hall	Presenter
2004–2005, 2007, 2018	This Morning	Guest presenter
2006–2007, 2009	The National Lottery Draws	Presenter	Wednesday night draws
2007	Soapstar Superstar	Judge	Series 2
2010	The Michael Ball Show	Presenter	30 episodes
2010–2011	Lorraine	Guest presenter	6 episodes
2013, 2016—	The One Show	Guest presenter	13 episodes
2013	Andrew Lloyd Webber: 40 Musical Years	Presenter	One-off special
	The Paul O'Grady Show	Stand-in presenter	1 episode
2014	That Day We Sang	Tubby (Jimmy)
2016	Josh	Paul
2016	Ball & Boe: One Night Only	Himself	WithAlfie Boe
2017	Our Friend Victoria	Presenter & guest
	Ball & Boe Back Together	Himself	WithAlfie Boe
2021	Michael Ball's Wonderful Wales	Presenter	Four-part series

Guest appearances

• Never Mind the Buzzcocks(2009, 2010, 2014)
• Coming Home(2010)
• Toast of London(2013)
• Sunday Brunch(2013, 2014, 2015)
• Catchphrase: Christmas Special(2013)
• Room 101(2014)
• Diamonds are Forever: A Tribute to Don Black(2014)
• Mel & Sue(2015)
• Backchat(2015)
• Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled(2015)
• Michael McIntyre's Big Show(2016)
• Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway(2018)

Bibliography

Ball's debut novelThe Empireset in the 1920s about a fictional theatre in the north of England was released on 13 October 2022.

On 12 October 2023, he released a memoir titledDifferent Aspectsreflecting on his appearances in the original production and the 2023 revival ofAspects of Love.

External links

• Michael BallatIMDb
• Michael Ballat theInternet Broadway Database
• Official website
• Love Songs with Michael Ball(BBC Radio 2)