Jane McDonald: Living the Dream

There are special guests… and then there are true national treasures — and they don’t come much bigger than Jane McDonald!

MIX56 really is the station of the stars and it was an absolute joy to welcome the one and only Jane McDonald to join Smithy & Ian on The Saturday Club.

Over a lovely chat (and of course, a nice cup of Yorkshire tea!), Jane shared stories from her incredible journey — from winning the hearts of the nation on The Cruise back in 1998, to becoming one of the UK’s most loved performers on stage and screen.

Despite her phenomenal success, Jane remains refreshingly down to earth, warm and genuinely appreciative of the fans who have supported her every step of the way — and it’s easy to see why the feeling is so mutual.

We caught up with Jane as she celebrates a huge milestone — her brand new album Living The Dream reaching number one, her first chart-topping record in almost 30 years. It’s a stunning collection with a country twist, recorded in the iconic Blackbird Studios in Nashville.

As Jane told us, the experience of recording in such a legendary setting — one that has welcomed some of the world’s biggest artists — was nothing short of magical and you can hear that magic in every track.

Living The Dream is Jane’s 11th studio album, blending original songs with beautifully reimagined country classics, and showcasing her incredible versatility as an artist.

The album has already made waves, topping the Official Independent Albums Chart and landing in the UK Top 10 — a true testament to her enduring appeal.

And she’s not slowing down anytime soon! Jane is heading out on a brand new UK tour this August, bringing her biggest and best show yet to venues including the AO Arena in Manchester and the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Fans can also look forward to something extra special later this year, as Jane sets sail once again on her very own cruise with Ambassador Cruise Lines — a unique chance for fans to join her on an unforgettable musical voyage.

Away from the stage, Jane continues to shine on screen – from her BAFTA award-winning travel series Cruising with Jane McDonald to her recent adventures in From Pole to Pole, and even her upcoming Nashville documentary.

Add bestselling author to her list of achievements, and it’s clear Jane is a true powerhouse of British entertainment!

We’ve been lucky enough to speak to many fantastic artists over the years, but Jane McDonald will always remain one of our favourite guests. It’s no wonder she’s loved by so many — a true star, a genuine talent and without question, a national treasure.