Róisín Meets . . . actor and Boyzone star Keith Duffy

On this week's Róisín Meets podcast, Keith Duffy talks about reprising his role in the play Big Maggie, earning his acting chops and having a second go at fatherhood.

The actor and former Boyzone star plays womaniser Teddy Heelin in the Druid production of Big Maggie, now on in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin.

“To be honest, this is the one gig that terrifies me, but it’s also my passion. It’s the one job that I prefer over any other,” he says.

Duffy’s acting career has outspanned his time in Boyzone, although learning the craft was more difficult than expected.

He appeared in Coronation Street for 10 years, after originally signing up for a three-month stint.

“I remember looking back at the first episodes I shot and I thought I was terrible, but I got progressively better very quickly.”

Duffy also responds to recent headlines that he wants more children with wife Lisa. The pair have two children, Mia (16) and Jay (20).

“If Mia and Jay fly the nest, it’s going to be very quiet at home and I just thought a couple of new babies would be nice.”

Duffy said his wife did not agree.

Autism awareness

Duffy has campaigned for autism awareness and funding since his daughter Mia was diagnosed as a child.

He is now working with charities of all kinds through the Keith Duffy Foundation.

Big Maggie is on at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin until 12th March.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the Gaiety Theatre box office.

To listen to the conversation or other episodes of the podcast, go to Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher or irishtimes.com.