Simon Delaney is a man of many talents - he's an actor, TV presenter, radio DJ and director and he's been working in the industry for over 40 years

Simon Delaney is a man of many talents. He's an actor, director, TV presenter and, most recently, radio star.

For seven years he was the face of Ireland AM and viewers were taken aback when he decided to leave the programme in September 2022. Speaking to RSVP Live, he said: "I don't miss getting up at 4.30am, but I miss the craic and the team were great."

Since his departure from breakfast TV, he's been as busy as ever, featuring in TV shows and films and hosting his own music show on RTÉ Lyric FM. He also stars alongside Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott in a film, shot in Ireland, set to be released later this year.

However, work is just one aspect of his life, family holds equal importance for him. He and his wife Lisa recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and together they have four sons; Cameron, Elliot, Isaac and Lewis, whose ages range from nine to 19.

Simon gushes: "She's my hero, it's nice to be married to your hero."

In the interview, the multi-talented actor and presenter opens up about why he would never present Liveline, watching his children grow up, and what keeps his marriage strong after two decades together.

There was a big shock when you left Ireland AM, what was it like making the decision to leave?

I've been away from there for about three years now. I departed the show just after Covid to work on a programme called The Woman in the Wall on BBC with Daryl McCormack and Ruth Wilson.

We filmed that for about seven months in Portaferry in Northern Ireland. I don't miss rising at 4.30am, but I do miss the banter and the team were fantastic.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Anna Daly, Aidan Power and Laura Woods. There was a significant reshuffle in September 2021 when Anna, Aidan and Laura left Virgin Media. Did you see the signs and did this influence your decision to leave?

It transformed everything for me. When you alter personnel in a tight-knit team, it's bound to shift dynamics. To draw a sporting comparison, when a fresh player enters the changing room, relationships inevitably evolve. You need to gauge each other's measure.

Reflecting on my early Ireland AM days, I was partnered with Anna Daly and we were strangers. Thankfully, we clicked instantly and she always claimed I was like an elder brother to her because I irritated her [laughs].

Their departure altered the atmosphere, though I'm uncertain if it signalled the end. I remained deeply grateful for Ireland AM, especially throughout the pandemic, as all my acting colleagues were unemployed for eighteen months. I recall the evening then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar declared lockdown and we were scheduled for work the next morning.

Frantic calls ensued and we had to submit our vehicle registrations to obtain travel permits for the studio. I've been labelled many things, but never "Essential". I felt so fortunate to have the work because the programme continued.

I've followed the show from its inception and it forms part of countless people's morning rituals. For me, the timing felt perfect to depart and I always wished to leave with something concrete ahead.

Being freelance and working as an actor means employment isn't guaranteed. Once The Woman in the Wall was secured, I recognised it was time to move on.

You're presenting a show on RTÉ Lyric FM at the moment, would you ever make the move to Radio 1 and present Liveline?

I don't think I could do Liveline because the current state of the world annoys me. The current state of Ireland and the issues we have here, and the issues we've had for the last 10 years, 20 years and 30 years, annoy me. I saw it myself on Ireland AM, we were interviewing politicians about the same thing every year. There's a flu crisis at Christmas, there's a housing crisis and there's a problem with the health service. It wouldn't be my bag. I'm quite happy on Lyric FM playing Sinatra songs.

I covered for Marty Whelan and then they gave me my own slot. I do it every Sunday from 1-4pm and it's great. There's nobody in the building, I come in and turn the lights on, turn the studio on and go home."

Do you enjoy the consistency of radio?

I like the regularity of the work because that's not what comes with being self-employed and being an actor. Anybody will tell you that. I saw an actor, who was in The Irishman and How I Met Your Mother, post on Instagram that he was working on a building site. He said that's what he does now and he hates it. The difference with American actors is that most of them can live and survive on their residuals from their SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) contracts. We don't get that here. When you do a job in Ireland you get paid for it and that's it.

You're starring in a new film alongside Andrew Scott, can you share some details?

The film is titled Blue Moon and it's set to release in October. It features an impressive cast including Andrew Scott, Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley and Bobby Cannavale. We filmed this beautiful movie at Ardmore Studios last year. The story unfolds in Sardi's Restaurant in New York on the opening night of Oklahoma! on Broadway, March 14, 1943.

The musical was penned by Rodgers and Hammerstein, with Andrew portraying Richard Rodgers and myself as Oscar Hammerstein. It's a truly stunning film and I firmly believe Ethan Hawke deserves an Oscar for his performance. He's simply outstanding.

As a father to four boys, how does it feel watching them mature into young adults?

All my sons have grown up amidst my acting career and my second son, Elliot, has even accompanied me on set and to the studio for my radio show. This exposure has instilled in them a deep appreciation for theatre and they often join me to watch plays.

Just last month, Cameron and Isaac came along to see Little Shop of Horrors at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

You recently celebrated two decades of marriage with your wife Lisa in July. What insights have you gained over these years?

One thing I've learned is never to let go of her hand or else face a clatter [laughs]. Patience is another lesson, something I admittedly lack. I couldn't accomplish anything without Lisa's unwavering support.

She wears many hats - my agent, booker, diary manager, PR, all while raising our four children. She's truly remarkable, my hero. It's a joy to be married to someone you admire so much.

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