WHILE his Irish eyes are smiling, devoted fans in Blackpool were freezing as they queued for five days for tickets.

These plucky followers, including Sharon Phillis from Barnsley and Betty Turner from Halifax (pictured) braved the wind and rain to secure themselves seats at Daniel O'Donnell's only Blackpool appearance on his current tour.

For five days and nights they stood outside the Opera House waiting for 8.30am last Saturday (January 29) when the box office opened.

Now they only have to wait until April to see their Irish hero.

It is this kind of fanatical devotion that has made the mild mannered entertainer the most successful easy listening country singers in Great Britain.

Public relations officer at the Opera House, Mieke Van Nunen said she couldn't put a number on the expectant fans sleeping rough for their prized tickets. And this phenomenon seems limited to Daniel O'Donnell.

"We don't get people queuing out in the cold for any other concerts," said Mieke.

Some people might think they're mad, but not Mieke.

"I really admire these people who are so loyal to their hero," she said.

"I think this is a regular occurrence for him though, that wherever he goes people always end up queuing to see him.

"He has been here regularly over the years and definitely last year we had the same queues."

Daniel O'Donnell has become a household name from years of performing both in the charts and on stage.

Over 16 years he has now sold more than five million albums and is still packing out theatres throughout the UK.

Daniel O'Donnell is appearing at the Opera House on April 9 with special guest, Mary Duff. Call the box office on (01253) 292029.

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