ADORING fans of Irish showman Daniel O'Donnell were left spellbound by a show that sent the Ipswich Regent into a frenzy of excitement.And to cap the evening off for his army of dedicated followers, the 41-year-old charmer took time out after his three-and-a-half hour show to meet dozens of his fans.

By MARK BULSTRODE

mark.bulstrode@eveningstar.co.uk

ADORING fans of Irish showman Daniel O'Donnell were left spellbound by a show that sent the Ipswich Regent into a frenzy of excitement.

And to cap the evening off for his army of dedicated followers, the 41-year-old charmer took time out after his three-and-a-half hour show to meet dozens of his fans.

As has now become customary on his many visits to Ipswich over the years, the town's adopted son had time to pose for pictures and chat to many his fans, who patiently queued at the back of the theatre.

The sell-out crowd, many of whom were decked out in Daniel O'Donnell scarves and badges, swayed and clapped in tune to one classic song after another last night.

Many of the old favourites were given an airing, including Danny Boy, Destination Donegal, Roads of Kildare and The Old Rugged Cross.

These were interlaced with tales and jokes told with his trademark Irish charisma that kept the audience captivated throughout.

The singer, who has married since his last appearance in the town, appeared alongside special guest Mary Duff in many of the songs.

During the show, he even made time to enter into the audience and meet some of the people who he had read out requests for, drawing high-pitched screams of delight from his admiring public.

Every swagger was greeted with a wolf-whistle and the end of each song drew warm applause from the fanatical crowd.

Upbeat songs like Daydream Believer and the Rivers of Babylon were belted out as the finale drew closer but he decided to top his show off with an old favourite of his own.

How Great Thou Art reverberated around the theatre to bring the show to an end. He duly received a standing ovation.

He thanked everyone for coming and for "making it such a wonderful night in Ipswich".