Fair City star says birth of son has given him 'simpler way of looking at life'
Fair City star Ryan Andrews has told how he took no days off after the birth of his son, Rowen.
The star welcomed his first child with wife Michaela on September 16 last year.
Opening up about Rowen's arrival, the Dubliner said he had to rehearse 17 scenes during Michaela's labour in Holles Street Hospital in Dublin.
He told us: "Rowen was born on September 16. I had to call into RTE. Michaela went a day early. I didn't sleep in three days. I had to go into the busiest week of my life on Fair City.
"I had to do double scenes and at that time I used to MC the Late Late Show and we ran our stage school at three locations a week.
"We were writing the Olympia panto as well. I didn't have a day off until January 16.
"Michaela was in labour in Holles Street and I had 17 scenes to learn. I had the busiest two days.
"Between every scene and every break, I was at home. I wasn't neglecting my family but once January came, I just realised how fast Rowen had grown up."
He said since welcoming Rowen, he looks at life more simply.
"He's nine months old now. Sometimes, with babies, I never listen to anybody, even my mam. Like every child, every pregnancy is different. We found our own way.
"We're very lucky with him. Our whole lives have changed. It's all about Rowen now in the best possible way.
"Becoming a dad has put a lot of things into perspective. I used to worry about things for no reason.
"He makes us more happy than any job, or anything financial. It's a simpler way of looking at life."
Ryan joked that he's already starting his son in showbusiness as Rowen was the baby in The Ferryman when he was just four months old.
"We've been lucky in the industry… I would love for him to get into stage school, and I'd love him to learn because I don't remember anything from school, other than being on stage or stage school with friends."
Barnardos ambassador Ryan was speaking as he took part in a 12-hour Riverdanceathon at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin to help raise money for the children's charity.
Over 580 dancers from dance schools across Ireland took part in the Riverdanceathon. Members of the Riverdance cast also joined in to start the event just before 10am on Thursday and again at lunchtime to perform three numbers from the show on the Gaiety Plaza as well as bringing it all to an end that evening.
Through this partnership Riverdance hopes to raise funds and awareness for the work of Barnardos. Each year for its summer run at the Gaiety, Riverdance partners with a charity.
Barnardos is Ireland's largest children's charity which helps and supports the most vulnerable children and families in society to achieve their full potential with the support of the public.
To donate, log onto www.idonate.ie/event/Riverdanceathon
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
‘I am the queen of being ghosted,' says Love Island's Dubliner Megan Forte Clarke
The Dubliner has been in a couple with English landscape gardener Tommy Bradley and, coincidentally, the pair share Italian heritage. So far, their 'coupling' on the show has been smooth sailing, but it is still early days in the explosive dating series. The reality dating show, where singles known as 'islanders' live together in a luxurious villa and must couple up to stay in the competition, is expected to run for approximately eight weeks. Viewers vote on their favourite couples and the winning pair at the end can walk away with a cash prize. Before entering the Spanish villa, Forte Clarke, from Finglas, shared exactly what she is looking for in a man. 'I tend to go for personality over looks, which has not done me very well in the past, but if I was to narrow down a type, I love a Timothee Chalamet-esque kind of vibe,' she said. 'I do love a ginger as well, but I think that's the Irish in me.' Forte Clarke (24) now lives in Brighton in southern England, where she works as an energy broker. She is also an aspiring actor, having trained as a musical theatre performer, and starred in panto. With her Irish charm and quick wit, she has been talked up as the new Maura Higgins for this year's show. Longford woman Maura gained fame in 2019 as a finalist on the fifth season of Love Island UK and has since carved out a successful career in television, modelling and presenting. It looks as if a similar success could be on the cards for well-liked Forte Clarke. When asked how that made her feel before she entered the Love Island villa, she said: 'Unreal! I'm like, yes, thank you. It's the biggest compliment ever, and a big boost.' Discussing whether she is feisty and outspoken like Higgins, Forte Clarke said: 'Definitely. I am my mother's daughter in that way. 'I'm a fiery lady, but I think, first and foremost, the Irish side of having a laugh and stuff comes first. But if I do have a problem with someone, I'm not afraid to say it.' Recalling her mum's reaction when she broke the news that she would be flying to the Spanish island, Forte Clarke said: 'She loves it. She loves Love Island, so she is buzzing with it.' Forte Clarke also considers her lookalike mum, Alison, her best friend. 'She is so clued up on it which makes me feel better, because I'd rather her know what goes on than for her to be shocked, but she's delighted.' Forte Clarke previously described herself as a modern-day Bridget Jones, to which she added: 'My dating life is hell and horror. I am the queen of being ghosted, so I feel in that sense I would compare myself to her. It just never seems to be going well for me.' Reflecting on her decision to give Love Island a shot, she said: 'I've done the whole dating apps. I'm just excited because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity 'It's just a lot, the whole Hinge and Tinder [online dating process]. It's just awkward meeting up and it never goes well – for me anyway. 'I know some people find their husbands on Hinge, but I'm like, what Hinge are you using? I decided this was right for me, because you can't ghost me while I'm in the villa, because I'll be in the kitchen.' Despite being catapulted to overnight fame, Megan insisted she has friends in the industry who have been a guiding hand. 'I'm friends with Harriett [Blackmore] from last season. We worked together in Brighton for two years, so she's prepared me, and she's told me what to pack and stuff. 'We actually went to the same university, but not at the same time, and we worked in [clothing store] Flannels together. I feel like that has been a big help having her. 'I'm just excited because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." The Dubliner added she hoped her stage persona would work to her advantage on the hit show. 'I feel it puts me in a position where I'm used to meeting new people a lot, but in terms of confidence, I feel like I've been this way since I came out of the womb. 'It's a blessing and a curse – I'll yap to anyone.'
RTÉ News
11 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Georgie and Liam clash in Sunday's Fair City
Georgie and Liam clash in Sunday's Fair City on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player. Liam is desperately searching for the locket, as Ger has threatened that she will have him arrested for assaulting her if he does not find it. In Sunday's episode, Georgie finds Liam snooping around at home. "I was about to call the guards," says Georgie. "No, I'm looking for something," says Liam. "So you're after wrecking the place?" says Georgie. "You're looking for that locket, aren't you?" Georgie continues. "Are you sure you don't know where it is?" asks Liam. "No!" replies an exasperated Georgie. Fans can watch what happens next on Sunday on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player at 8:30pm.
Sunday World
11 hours ago
- Sunday World
Conor McGregor says he flew Black Forge team to Ibiza to celebrate league win
'LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, BABY!' Conor McGregor has revealed he brought his Black Forge Inn football team on a trip to Ibiza to celebrate winning the league. The team won the UCFL Premier Division, with McGregor forking out for a VIP holiday to celebrate. 'To celebrate winning the league I took the @blackforgeinn football squad away on holiday to Ibiza! All expense paid, VIP's,' he bragged on Instagram, sharing a series of snaps from the trip. 'LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, BABY! 'Reach out, link up, join a team! Get active!' he said, adding: 'For the sake of your mental health, you will thank yourself! It comes as earlier this week he was caught on camera punching a partygoer to the ground at a nightclub in Ibiza while on the lads' holiday. Footage obtained by the Sun appears to show the Dubliner hitting a person twice during the incident in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The 36-year-old is seen in conversation with a man before putting his arm around his shoulders and then hitting him with his left hand while holding a glass of alcohol in his right. The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion then takes another shot as the man stumbles to leave the reveller on the floor. According to reports, McGregor carried on partying at the venue while the man who had been punched was thrown out. Conor McGregor News in 90 Seconds - June 20th The incident followed a boozy day session for McGregor who had earlier been pictured dancing with former glamour model Katie Price. Price posted a picture of the pair on her Instagram page with the caption: 'You legend', after McGregor tagged her in his own story and said: 'Forever'. The 36-year-old was also seen hanging out with Spurs star Kevin Danso, who posted a picture of the disgraced MMA fighter on his Instagram.
