Comic Bill Bailey has revealed Dubliner Sean Hughes could have played a part in his own decision to walk out of the BBC quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Bailey took over as a team captain on the show in 2002, but says Hughes was a tough act to follow. "As well as having a huge interest in pop music, Sean made the show his own. That meant he could juggle the humour while getting all the answers right," says Bailey.
Bailey himself resigned from the show last season, inspired by the words of his predecessor. "I remember Sean just laughing and saying, 'I'm a grown man.
I can't stand there humming the intros to songs.'"
Bailey was talking at the premiere of The Shawshank Redemption in the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, last Tuesday. The bearded funnyman was in attendance to support long-time pal, comedian Owen O'Neill, who penned the script – an adaptation of the cult film – with fellow writer David Johns.
Among the guests at the premiere were Eurovision singer Sinead Mulvey, boxer Bernard Dunne and RTé presenter Mary Kennedy. The Shawshank Redemption continues at The Gaiety until 20 June.