Going Back, Giving Back's Aled Jones: It’s a show I’ve always wanted to do
SINGER, TV and radio presenter Aled found fame aged 12 with his cover of Walking In The Air, a song written for the animated film The Snowman.
He went on to enjoy a successful music career and has since presented a number of TV programmes. He hosts Going Back, Giving Back, for BBC1, and shows on Classic FM and BBC Radio Wales every Sunday. Aled, 45, lives in London with his wife, Claire, and their children Emilia, 14, and Lucas, 10.
Every programme is inspirational and takes you on an emotional roller coaster
Why did you want to host Going Back, Giving Back?
It’s a show I’ve always wanted to do. In each programme one person explores their personal history to decide how they can positively change the life of another, with the gift of a lifetime. Every programme is inspirational and takes you on an emotional roller coaster.
Aled Jones recording his part and also the Upstairs Downland Abbey trailer
Who’s the most inspiring person you met?
I spent time with the Yorkshire Ripper’s first victim’s son, who is one of the biggest motivational speakers in the world. He helps a girl who’s struggling in life and had a very similar childhood to what he had. That was moving. It’s amazing how resilient the human spirit is.
Do you ever wonder where you would be now, if not for Walking In The Air?
I’d recorded 10 albums before that single, but Walking In The Air kept my name in the public eye once my voice had broken.
You have a new album out this Christmas – what can we expect?
It’s similar to One Voice, where I sing with my younger self, but we’ve chosen tracks from Christmas albums I did as a kid. There’s a new arrangement of Walking In The Air, by Howard Blake, and John Williams recorded Silent Night with me, too.
Would you compete in Strictly Come Dancing again if you could?
I loved doing it. At the time it was the scariest thing in the whole world and even now when I hear the music, I get sweaty palms. But if I have one too many to drink, I think I’m some kind of Welsh John Travolta.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
No, I think love is deeper than that.
What is the biggest misconception about you?
That I’m still a choirboy. It’s funny that people think I’m this angelic person. I’m just normal.
What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your career?
Forgetting the words to Memory in front of the Queen was pretty monumental!
Going Back, Giving Back is on Monday at 3.30pm on BBC1. The first 10 episodes are on BBC iPlayer.