0:00:02 > 0:00:04Good morning, everybody. Owen Money here on BBC Radio Wales,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07with you for the next two hours. Music you haven't heard for ages.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16I'm enjoying my life so much, even getting old now,
0:00:16 > 0:00:17I don't feel as if I'm old.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19I just feel about 40.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Time waits for no man, as we all know, but as long as I live,
0:00:27 > 0:00:29I will want to perform.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34I'd like to be like Tommy Cooper.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Go where he went, on the stage, making people laugh.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38When he died, they were still laughing
0:00:38 > 0:00:41because they thought it was part of his act.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44I bet... If he... If there is a hereafter, he's up there thinking,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46what a way to go.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48AS TOMMY COOPER: Just like that.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52MUSIC: Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
0:00:53 > 0:00:58Owen Money, one of Wales' best-loved entertainers.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04He's a household name who's been in the business for over 50 years.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Oh! Good evening.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10He's been around for so long now that he is a part of the furniture.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13You know, he's a very comfy old puff.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15He's through.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Now, as he approaches his 70th birthday,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Owen's inviting us in to follow him,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27as his hectic schedule takes him from the working men's clubs of Wales...
0:01:27 > 0:01:31It's a big club and it's difficult these days to fill big clubs.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34..to a dream job on the streets of France.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38MEN SINGING
0:01:38 > 0:01:41And with just three months to put together his latest panto,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44will the pressure get too much for Owen
0:01:44 > 0:01:47in one of the busiest years of his life?
0:01:47 > 0:01:49We need to stop.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52It looks so crap.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55It's a chance to see a side of Owen that's not often on show.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59In a life that hasn't always been full of laughs.
0:02:01 > 0:02:02From career knockbacks...
0:02:02 > 0:02:04I was going to be axed.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07I was astounded.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09..to financial worries...
0:02:09 > 0:02:10Can you imagine the headlines?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Owen Money really is owing money.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15..to personal heartache.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19I think he had the affair because he is...
0:02:20 > 0:02:23How do you say big-headed bastard in a different way?
0:02:27 > 0:02:30It's a story of highs and lows,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32success and setbacks,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34of a man who's never given up.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Right, now, we've got to hope and pray now that Teddy Bear comes on next.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54All the way from Merthyr Tydfil, Rhys Berry and Teddy Bear.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59HE DOES ELVIS IMPRESSION
0:02:59 > 0:03:01MUSIC BEGINS
0:03:05 > 0:03:06Come on.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Owen is best known today for his radio work,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13taking over the airwaves every Saturday morning on Radio Wales.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15# Oh, let me be your teddy bear... #
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Today, he's broadcasting from Porthcawl's Elvis Festival,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24one of the world's most unique rock'n'roll celebrations.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And it's a chance to bring out Owen's inner king.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35'Radio is just so personal.'
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Every time I go on air, I feel as if I'm talking to my best friend.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43If you talk to the mic as your best friend,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46it'll work every time for you.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48When did he ask you to marry him and where were you?
0:03:48 > 0:03:50In the bedroom.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51'I used to script everything.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54'I used to script all the links from one song to the other.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56'And then I went to the Garden Festival
0:03:56 > 0:03:59'and I had scripted all of this but there's people watching me.'
0:03:59 > 0:04:01And I felt, well, I can't be reading it.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03I'd rather be talking to them.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06So I threw my scripts away and I've never used one ever since.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08You look like fantastic.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Not you, love, her by here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14'It's magic because you never know what's going to come out of your mouth'
0:04:14 > 0:04:17as well as theirs. As long as they don't swear, we're happy.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19And what's the secret for you?
0:04:19 > 0:04:21What do you like about Elvis?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23It's the wife, she started...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Why are you going like this? Why are you leaning back?
0:04:26 > 0:04:28It's the wife, she started me on Elvis.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Oh, yeah. That's...
0:04:31 > 0:04:34We were married 50 years last month.
0:04:34 > 0:04:3750 years last month. They've been married 50 years, everybody.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40And the only thing they've got in common now
0:04:40 > 0:04:42is they got married on the same day.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44LAUGHTER
0:04:45 > 0:04:48About ten years ago, I was offered a radio show at Radio Wales
0:04:48 > 0:04:52and I remember that the benchmark was Owen.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57That was the sort of big hitter, you know, the biggest listener figures.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58That was Owen. That was on Saturday morning,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01you're going to be following Owen Money and I was thinking, "Oh God,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04"how am I going to do that?" Because he's such an established figure.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06His audience loves him.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09And I know to this day that half the audience switch off before I come on.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14It goes off a cliff when Owen Money finishes and I come on.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17And I kind of think, that's fair enough, that's fair enough,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19he's a legend of Welsh broadcasting.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21You know, he is kind of Radio Wales.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23I haven't got time for any more.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I hope you've enjoyed yourselves.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Thanks for being here and thank you so, so much
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and we'll see you all again next year.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:05:34 > 0:05:35Thank you.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Great, I enjoyed every second of it.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40Brilliant. Really good.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44It's great because they come every year and it's like...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Like a family, then, you know what I mean?
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I love them.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Great. And they're all dressed up.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51They all live the dream.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52And so do I.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55Long may it continue.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04# Oh, the good life
0:06:06 > 0:06:12# Full of fun seems to be the ideal... #
0:06:13 > 0:06:1750 years in the business has made Owen one of Wales' best-known
0:06:17 > 0:06:21entertainers. And not just for his radio work.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28From singing to stand up, TV presenting and acting,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Owen is a man of many talents.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Ooh. New clubs.- Hey, brand-new.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Mega, they are. Mega.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38Dad's a very big golfer.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Oh, guilty as charged, your honour.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43And I'd like another six sports to be taken into consideration.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48'I think, if you're looking at, "Is there a secret to his success, to his longevity?"'
0:06:48 > 0:06:50he's an entertainer as much as he's a comedian.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52You know, he's the complete thing.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56He sings, he hosts, he can get out on a stage,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59you could parachute him in anywhere, and he could make people laugh.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07But it's not just fellow Welsh comedians that hold Owen in high esteem.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10He's even caught the eye of Her Majesty herself,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14receiving an MBE for his services to entertainment in 2007.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24But today, Owen's biggest fans can be found back at home.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26He's through.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Oh!- Yes!
0:07:29 > 0:07:31'My feet are on the ground, probably, because of my family.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34'We've got the grandkids, they are with us most days.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36'And I love them.'
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Oh, unlucky.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Owen's daughter Katie and his son Matthew
0:07:41 > 0:07:44are regular visitors to the family home in Porthcawl.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49There's nothing better, this time of my life,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I never had a real great deal of time earlier on when she was growing up and Matthew was growing up,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- but now with these, it's fantastic. - Aaaargh!
0:07:56 > 0:07:58I wake up every morning to that.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00CLATTERING To that.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Aaaaargh!
0:08:04 > 0:08:06'He is a lovely grandpa.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08'The children adore him.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12'I think as he's got older, he's realised it is about family.'
0:08:12 > 0:08:15It's not all work, work, work.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19And he enjoys family time now.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24He enjoys spending time with my mum, myself,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and the grandkids and Matthew.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28It is like a nice little family unit.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Bye.- Say bye-bye.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Owen met his wife Kath in the early days of his career,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41over 40 years ago.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43We got married in 1974.
0:08:43 > 0:08:4474, aye.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Didn't have a lot of money.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48And we had a bottle of beer.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51That's all we had. One bottle of beer and 20 quid in our pockets.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- On our...- Wedding night.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- Wedding night.- We had a minced beef pie and a bottle of beer.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Yeah.- Taking home for our wedding...
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Didn't we?- Yeah, we did. - Half a pie each.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03And half a bottle of beer.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06As we said to each other then, there's only one way now,
0:09:06 > 0:09:07and that's up.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Do you want ham salad?
0:09:10 > 0:09:11Yeah.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18He was an only child and his mother...
0:09:19 > 0:09:21..mothered him terrible.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24But then he met my mum and my mum was a nurse.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28And she'd just took over the role of his mum.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31This is the first time for I don't know how long I haven't bought ham,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34I bought this blinking stuff because I was rushing.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- And what is it?- Plastic.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38Oh, it's the plastic ham...
0:09:38 > 0:09:41I get all the top cuisine here.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Even now, he doesn't know how to use an iron.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46He haven't got a clue.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48What else doesn't he know how to do?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50He doesn't know how to shut a cupboard.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52And that really infuriates Mum.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54She'll go round shutting cupboards behind him.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56It's like she has three children.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01And, well, more like five grandchildren.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04He's on the mentality of the grandkids.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Yeah.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07We have something here that...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11..nobody else in the street has got.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12What's that, love?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Instant hot water.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16Watch this.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Oh, he's over the moon with that.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Only rich people have that. And us.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38He may have put his family centre stage
0:10:38 > 0:10:41but Owen hasn't given up work just yet.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45And at 70, Owen is showing few signs of slowing down.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I really enjoy being very busy, you know.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53People say to me, "How do you manage?"
0:10:53 > 0:10:57People of my age, they say they could never do it.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58But I love it.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03And one of his biggest loves is panto.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09Owen runs his own theatre company but he's not your average boss.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15He's come to Llanelli to check in on his team,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19as they get ready for this year's show, Beauty And The Beast.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24All right?
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Going well?- Yes.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It's the gates of the Beast's castle.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30She's building it.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- How long do you think, babe?- Pardon?
0:11:33 > 0:11:34How long before you do it?
0:11:34 > 0:11:37I think about three or four weeks.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38You've done really well.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40This is my son, Matthew. Hiya, Math.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Hiya.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44And this is Jason, who's my stage manager.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- All right, byt?- Good.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Yeah, he's looking good. Without these two again,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52these are the backstage boys who are behind the scenes in the pantomime.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57That's Jamie, who is my company manager.
0:11:57 > 0:11:58He does all of my publicity for me.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Do you know what his favourite instrument was
0:12:01 > 0:12:02when he was in school?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04The dinner bell.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- How old is that! - I know that, byt. I wrote it.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Hiya, Sam. How are you doing, babe?
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Yo, dude.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Sammi Broad helps him bring it all together
0:12:20 > 0:12:23and is Owen's right-hand woman.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Sammi and I have been together...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27How long have you been with me now, Sam?
0:12:27 > 0:12:28- Nine years.- Nine years, yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30He's taken all my youth.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31I'm an old maid now.
0:12:31 > 0:12:32She was thin when...
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Oh!
0:12:36 > 0:12:40But not only does she do all the choreographing of all the dancing,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43but she helps the costume making, she does all the backing vocals...
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Kind of a gimmicky kind of theme song.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Gangnam Style. I had to learn the words of Gangnam Style.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- I know it all. Do you want to hear it?- Do it. Go.
0:12:51 > 0:13:01HE SINGS GANGNAM STYLE
0:13:01 > 0:13:04See? Once you learn a song, you never forget it.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Got one here now. Can't Stop The Feeling coming up...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11# I can't stop the feeling. #
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Great. And the third harmony then, please.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I know it sounds cheesy and a lot of people say it
0:13:17 > 0:13:18but we are an actual family.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21There isn't the kind of formality of, oh, the boss is walking in.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23And that's because of him. It's because he's not the boss.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25He is just your friend.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26He is just your fake dad.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27He is just your uncle.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29He is just the person who makes you laugh
0:13:29 > 0:13:31or kind of will help you out if you are really in need,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33kind of a thing. He's really generous.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Well, I can pick any note.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37I can sing all the notes.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I know... Not necessarily in the right order.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41But I can...
0:13:41 > 0:13:44I think he is the reason why it works and why people want to work with us
0:13:44 > 0:13:47because panto is supposed to be fun.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49It's supposed to be light-hearted.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54And the main reason we do that is because he isn't whipping and going
0:13:54 > 0:13:57crazy backstage. It's because he is having fun with it as well.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04HE LAUGHS
0:14:04 > 0:14:05Sorry!
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Concentrate! Concentrate!
0:14:15 > 0:14:17With the panto set looking good,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Owen's next task will be to find the remaining cast members
0:14:19 > 0:14:21to complete his team.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30But for now, it's time to take a well-earned break.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Owen is on his way to Swansea Bay golf club for some much needed R&R.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53This is what I love doing.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55This is my genuine pastime.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57I absolutely adore it.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59I love the camaraderie...
0:15:00 > 0:15:01Keith.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Dobbin would... refused to be filmed.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10My greatest friends, I suppose...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13..in the world, are in this golf course.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's an opportunity to spend some quality time with son Matthew,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25who shares his passion for the sport.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Not bad. In the ditch?
0:15:29 > 0:15:31No. You might be in the ditch, though.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I know. I've got a new driver, don't forget.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35I know.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39They enjoy a good relationship now, but it hasn't always been the case.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44As a young man, Matthew tested Owen to the limit.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47His lifestyle pushed the boundaries of their father-son relationship.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54I was about 24,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56bought a bit of drugs off my friend.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Left them in the house.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Went out, forgot about it, and my mother found them.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The discovery of his son's drugs
0:16:05 > 0:16:08provoked a shocking response from Owen.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I said, "I need to see you a minute. I need you to come with me."
0:16:10 > 0:16:12"Where am I going?" "Jump in the car."
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Took him down to the police station.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I said, "We've got to go in there a minute." "What for?"
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I said, "I've just found this in my son's room,
0:16:18 > 0:16:19"can you arrest him?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22"These are drugs." I've never taken a drug in my life.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Matthew was spared a prison sentence.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29But Owen and his son lost touch for nearly two years.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34At the end of the day, I can understand why, like.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38You see that... He's taught me a lesson a bit.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43At the time... Otherwise, I might have still been going down the wrong road, like.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45So, in the end,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49I think it was a good choice that they done it but I still felt a bit
0:16:49 > 0:16:51disappointed and angry about it.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57After settling down with partner Rachel,
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Matthew is now back on track.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04I am so proud of him
0:17:04 > 0:17:07that he's turned his life around and done so much
0:17:07 > 0:17:10with his life over the last two years, since he met Rachel.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11Little boy and everything.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- And golf is something that we love doing together. - Yeah, we enjoy playing together.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Yeah, we love it. Aye.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Yeah, yeah.- Yeah. - Do you think you might win today?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22No. It all depends on the last three holes.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- OK.- You never know, I could come second.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Well, you never know, you might come first. It's a bit windy.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29Let's go and have a look, then.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45After a quick round of golf,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Owen is back in his car for his next appointment.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53He's also a lead singer his band, the Travelling Wrinklies.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Tonight, he's got a gig in his hometown of Merthyr.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59And he's on his way to the venue to set up.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Before the rest of the band arrive,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09he's keen to have a look around the place that played a big part in
0:18:09 > 0:18:11launching his early career.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12The Merthyr Labour Club.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Known back then by his birth name of Lynn Mittell,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20the 16-year-old had only one ambition -
0:18:20 > 0:18:23to become a successful singer.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33The Merthyr Labour Club has been part of my life for most of my life.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38From an early day when I was a kid, coming over here,
0:18:38 > 0:18:39to cadge a shilling off my father
0:18:39 > 0:18:41when he was in the bar having a drink
0:18:41 > 0:18:43to go and get some sweets,
0:18:43 > 0:18:47to coming here to perform for the first time at the age of 16.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51And I learnt a lot of my trade through working here.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56You know, I'm a Merthyr Labour Club boy. Through and through.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02In the early '60s, the South Wales music scene was thriving.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06And the young Lynn was desperate to be part of it.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09'Will you please welcome the greatest band in the universe,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12'the fabulous Bystanders.'
0:19:12 > 0:19:17CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:19:17 > 0:19:20MUSIC BEGINS
0:19:26 > 0:19:27At 17 years of age,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30I joined a band called the Bystanders and that changed my life.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Because they became a very good band.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41Lynn became the front man of the group, changing his name to Jerry Braden.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44The Bystanders became known for their close musical harmonies,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46covering pop songs of the day.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50# When she was just a kid
0:19:50 > 0:19:52# Her clothes were hand... #
0:19:52 > 0:19:53We had carefree attitudes,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55we thought we were never going to grow old,
0:19:55 > 0:19:56we were going to be young for ever.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00The next Beatles song would come out, the next Rolling Stones song,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03oh, we thought, this is fantastic.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04Then we moved to London.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06It was all happening in London.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08And we had a recording contract.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10They were so fantastic.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18I always thought that singing was going to be my life.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24But it... You know, it just... It all came crashing down then.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26About a year later when they said,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29"You aren't good enough," and I was booted out of the band.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33And I was devastated.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34It was the first disappointment
0:20:34 > 0:20:36I ever had as an entertainer in my life.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38And I did cry a bit.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42I think that's the only time in my life when I never thought I would
0:20:42 > 0:20:44recover from it.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50But Owen would bounce back
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and the rejection would later help make him a household name.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12On its own, number eight.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15With tonight's bingo session coming to an end,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18it's almost time for the band to take to the stage.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20And there's been a good turnout for Owen.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23There's about, erm...
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Oh, there's about 250 out there, I would think, something like that.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28It's a big club.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30And it's difficult these days to try and fill big clubs.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32So...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36It's... I'm delighted there's so many in.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I really am because that means they've come to see me, which is great,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41and the great thing about it is when people come to see you,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43they give you a bit more of a chance.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Especially when they've paid a fiver to come here, that'll do it.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Well, here we go.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Here we go.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Fingers crossed.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01OK, then.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05It's Owen Money and the Travelling Wrinklies.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Thank you. Lovely to be here.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10One, two, three...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12MUSIC BEGINS
0:22:16 > 0:22:19# If I needed someone to love
0:22:19 > 0:22:21# You're the one that I... #
0:22:21 > 0:22:24The Merthyr Labour is one of the last remaining working men's clubs
0:22:24 > 0:22:28in Wales and a notoriously tough crowd.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33'I get nervous playing here.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36'I really do. I try not to show it but I do get nervous.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40'There will be a lot of people here I know and when you're a local boy,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'they are always quick to condemn you and say,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46'"He's a bloody load of rubbish, he is."
0:22:46 > 0:22:48'Maybe I am in some people's eyes.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51'But I just try and go out and do my best and if you
0:22:51 > 0:22:55'can do your best, and make them dance and get them singing,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59'all I want them to do is have a really good night and enjoy themselves.'
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Owen's efforts have won over the crowd.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26The band are a hit and the night is a success.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31MUSIC ENDS
0:23:31 > 0:23:33APPLAUSE
0:23:33 > 0:23:34Hey, thank you!
0:23:55 > 0:23:58The panto schedule is hotting up and today,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Owen and the team are on the lookout for some new cast members.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04We've got about 12 or 14 actors coming today.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08I like to work with actors who can think on their feet because I'm more of
0:24:08 > 0:24:12a comedian and actor, so I'm off the book a lot.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15I'm looking for somebody who can think on his feet, think quickly.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Good singers, obviously. Somebody who will have that little...
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I hate to say it, but X factor, you know,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22who will have that little magic about them.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27..an order of washing powder
0:24:27 > 0:24:32and hot soapy water, so that must be my favourite laundry boy.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35You are definitely my favourite princess.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36I think I might.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Yes?
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Do I need to say it?
0:24:39 > 0:24:40Yes, please.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42You're crap.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45LAUGHTER
0:24:45 > 0:24:47It could be anything, really, couldn't it?
0:24:47 > 0:24:48Lovely. That was great.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51There must be a man for me somewhere.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Who will always be faithful and true.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Yes, I'd like to discover a tall, handsome lover.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Hey...
0:25:00 > 0:25:02I think I found him.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03It's you.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05OWEN LAUGHS
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Hey! Willie? Willie?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Are you still cleaning upstairs?
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Yeah, I'm dusting the landing.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Be careful of that top step, it's...
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Argh!
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Crrrrrr!
0:25:20 > 0:25:21..slippery.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25# I tell ya, Cellophane
0:25:25 > 0:25:27# Mr Cellophane
0:25:27 > 0:25:28# Shoulda been my name
0:25:28 > 0:25:32# Mr Cellophane Cos you can walk right by me
0:25:32 > 0:25:34# Walk right through me
0:25:34 > 0:25:39# And never know I'm there. #
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Good. That's all I need, byt.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42I love Chicago.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Yeah, I do. Cheers, byt.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- All the best.- Thank you very much indeed. Thanks, mate.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52Can I pick him or what?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54He's a done deal, dude.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55I loved him. That was amazing.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58That is our dame for Beauty And The Beast.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00I just hope we can get him - financially, I hope.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Because this guy's done everything, you know what I mean?
0:26:02 > 0:26:04So, that's it. We've got them all.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07What a good day. Lovely day's work.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- Marvellous.- Some talent there. - And the sun is out.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14And the thing is, this gives me the start of panto.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17It is. It's like the beginning of it all.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20You know, the long road from here now is...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- Well...- This is where all the cogs fall into place. - ..learning the lines next.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35# For the miracle... #
0:26:35 > 0:26:39OWEN SINGS ALONG WITH THE RADIO
0:26:42 > 0:26:45But for now, memorising the script will have to wait.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Owen is on his way to one of his biggest gigs of the year,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51at St David's Hall in Cardiff.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56He is performing in one of his bands,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00but he's bringing his own unique style to the show.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01Comedy.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03One, two. One, two.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Hello, hello, hello. This is not on, Phil.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08It is.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13I'm very happy with my lot, being a comedian, you know.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It's great to make people laugh, you now what I mean?
0:27:17 > 0:27:21That's a wrap, everybody. I'll see you back here at 20 past eight.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26It's a big night for Owen in one of Wales' most iconic venues.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- ROB BRYDON:- 'I'm so sorry I can't be there. I would have loved to have been there.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34'But, you know, with that injunction you took out...'
0:27:34 > 0:27:35Before he takes to the stage,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37he's catching up with a number of well-wishers,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40including fellow comedian and old pal Rob Brydon.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43Before I do go, Rob, do me a big favour.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47My favourite thing you've ever done is the little man in a box.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50You know, I'd love you to do that for me now.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- Little man in a box.- Right now?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Right now? This moment?
0:27:54 > 0:27:55Yeah, do it now.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- OK. - HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- SOUNDING DISTANT:- Hey there, how are you doing?
0:28:00 > 0:28:04It's really nice to see you. I don't know where I am. Somebody get me out of here...
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Oh, that's brilliant. I love it.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08That's my best work.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10That's my best work.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Yeah, I've got to go onstage in a minute.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17- My pleasure. Lovely to see you, Owen. Have a great night.- All the best. Bye-bye, mate.- Bye.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I never ever tell a joke that I don't laugh at.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26If I don't think it's funny, I'm sure my friends won't.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28And I play to my friends and people out there.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38There's an old fellow driving on the motorway.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39He picks the phone up.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41His wife says, "Charlie, where are you?"
0:28:41 > 0:28:43"On the M4, I'll be home in ten minutes."
0:28:43 > 0:28:44"Charlie, be very careful.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49"It's just come on the radio, there's one motorist riding the wrong way down the motorway."
0:28:49 > 0:28:52He said, "One? There's bloody hundreds of them!"
0:28:52 > 0:28:55LAUGHTER
0:28:55 > 0:28:57My father is 97...
0:28:57 > 0:29:00He's got a hard drive of jokes in his head,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03a hard drive of gags for every occasion.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07So, in that sense, he's a very traditional joke-telling comedian.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09On top of that, he's a great host.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11On top of that, he sings.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I know he writes. So there's lots going on.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16I know you, what's your name?
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Elaine. Where are you from, Elaine?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Aberdare. I knew I knew you.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26He's part of the people that he entertains,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28so when he talks about the different areas of Wales,
0:29:28 > 0:29:29you know he's been there.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32You know he knows the place.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38And he's been around for so long now that he is a part of the furniture.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40You know, he's a very comfy old puff...
0:29:42 > 0:29:46..that you can put your feet up on, and, you know, have a laugh with.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49A lovely battered puff.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51She's from Aberdare.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Famous for two things.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Beautiful women and great rugby players.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57What position do you play, Elaine?
0:29:57 > 0:30:00LAUGHTER
0:30:00 > 0:30:04MUSIC: Five O'Clock World by The Vogues
0:30:12 > 0:30:13- Owen.- Hello, byt.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15How are you, byt? All right?
0:30:15 > 0:30:16Good. Nice to see you.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19How are you, byt?
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Hiya, byt. All right?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Owen's connection with his audience
0:30:25 > 0:30:27has been key to his success as a comedian,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30and was honed on the streets of South Wales.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34After being booted out of the Bystanders,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36a young Lynn Mittell found himself
0:30:36 > 0:30:39working on his father-in-law's market stall.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43I started working as a fruit-and-veg salesman and you had to have a little
0:30:43 > 0:30:49bit of humour about you, otherwise you could never get into people's front doors
0:30:49 > 0:30:53to knock the door and sell the bag of potatoes or sell the cauliflower, sell the peaches.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56You had to make them like you.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Last couple of plums going cheap.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02Brings back some memories, byt.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Putting his likeability and sales skills to the test,
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Owen tries his luck on the local fruit-and-veg stall.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- Banana, pound a bag. - Pound a bag of bananas.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Come on, here you are, love. Come here, love. Excuse me.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- Two for £2.- Go on, then.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- Done.- There we are. Put them in there, byt.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22You never lose it, byt. There we are, byt.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23All the best.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27- Strawberries, love?- Do you want some more strawberries now?
0:31:27 > 0:31:292.21. That's 3.31.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- 3.85 altogether.- 3.75. - 2.35 and 1.50, 3.85.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36221, you got down here.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- That's a kilo.- Oh, sorry.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- That's the price. - All right, then.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- There we go.- Cheers, byt.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Thank you very much indeed. Slipping here.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46Does that mean I'm sacked?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49I'm glad you haven't been here since this morning, byt!
0:31:49 > 0:31:50I'm sacked!
0:31:53 > 0:31:55He might not think this but what he's doing by there
0:31:55 > 0:31:58gave me the confidence to become an entertainer.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00You have to learn about people.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02You have to learn how they tick and...
0:32:03 > 0:32:06..get on the right side of people. And it's the same with comedy.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13With aspirations to still make it big in showbiz,
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Lynn went on to form comedy band Tomfoolery.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22As the band's front man, his act involved both singing and comedy.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30They would become one of the UK's most successful show bands,
0:32:30 > 0:32:32but the success wasn't to last,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35and the band broke up a few years later.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Lynn was left wondering where to go next.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47And a chance encounter with a fellow performer would inspire him to become
0:32:47 > 0:32:49the Owen Money we know today.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54And tonight, Owen is off to see his inspiration in action.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Fellow Welsh comedian Colin Price.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Have I had a week.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08I've had my mother-in-law down. I greased the stairs and she slept on the couch.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I got up at half past four this morning, somebody stealing the front gate.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I didn't say anything in case he took offence.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Simple little gags but they are fantastic, the way he delivers them.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24The way he delivers them is fantastic.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27She said, I'll use his surname.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33It was about 45 years ago when I saw him for the first time
0:33:33 > 0:33:36and I just fell in love with him from that moment on, really.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40I remember it as if it was yesterday.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43I was sat there and I was just dumbstruck.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47I'd never laughed so much in all my life at anybody.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50And I was young, I was only in mid-20s.
0:33:50 > 0:33:51My early 20s.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53I feel humbled with that.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56It was a night that really changed my life.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02It may have meant nothing to you at the time, it probably didn't, but...
0:34:02 > 0:34:04I was in that audience, thinking, "My God,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06"this guy is absolutely brilliant."
0:34:06 > 0:34:09And...this is what I want to do.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I was betwixt between being a singer, being a comedian,
0:34:12 > 0:34:18doing a little bit of... I'd done a little bit of both and that was it for me. Forget the singing.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19That's what I'm going to do.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23To have someone to say that I was his inspiration
0:34:23 > 0:34:27and to get where you are today is a bonus for me.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29And thank you very much.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- Thank you very much indeed. - You're welcome. Bye.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Having decided solo comedy was the way forward,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37his new act would need a new name.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40And Owen Money was born.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Owen Money. I was quite embarrassed about it, originally.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45I thought, it's never going to last.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48But it's been lucky for me.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56The '80s was a fantastic time.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59I started getting more work.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00Lots of gigs.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01And at the same time,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04I got a nightclub in Port Talbot which did really well.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12I did the thing for HTV,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14which put me on the television for the first time.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17And then Radio Wales came along in 1987.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19I never really looked back.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28Owen joined BBC Radio Wales and his weekly programme Money For Nothing
0:35:28 > 0:35:32would go on to win over 120,000 loyal listeners.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36Ten years later, and in a defining night in his career,
0:35:36 > 0:35:40Owen would win two golds at the Sony Radio Awards in London.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46And it was incredible because I won. We just couldn't believe it.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49So we all climbed onto the stage and got our award
0:35:49 > 0:35:52and it was just an incredible feeling.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55We sang all the way home and we had a marvellous night and it was...
0:35:55 > 0:35:56It changed my life.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01And just months later,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Owen's good fortunes would continue
0:36:03 > 0:36:07when he was given his very own weekly talent show on the BBC.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11Oh, good evening!
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Welcome once again to Just Up Your Street,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16half an hour of topline television,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19which is so big, it'll last 35 minutes.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22There was a period... sort of sweet spot time
0:36:22 > 0:36:24when he seemed to be everywhere.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26And alongside all of that,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30he was driving a million miles and doing the shows, here,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33there and everywhere. So he was busy, busy, busy.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49But Owen's world would soon come crashing down.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54It was a real golden time for me.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56I was leading the high life.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59You know, I had plenty of money, fast cars.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01Going to nightclubs.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06The business that I'm in, there was always an opportunity to stray then.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11I thought I was invincible...
0:37:12 > 0:37:14..in that way.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16A secret he'd been keeping from his family
0:37:16 > 0:37:20was about to be revealed by an unlikely source close to home.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Me and my boyfriend at the time had had an argument.
0:37:25 > 0:37:31And I won't use the language but he said, "Your family is F'd up.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35"Your father's been having an affair and he has done for 15 years."
0:37:35 > 0:37:38It was like someone had just punched me in the stomach.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43And I could not keep that from Mum, so I told her.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life -
0:37:45 > 0:37:48to break your mother's heart.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56I was probably the last person to ever know because never in my life
0:37:56 > 0:37:59I thought he would have... been that person.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03We were always a loving couple.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06He was never ever any different to me.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07He have always looked after me.
0:38:07 > 0:38:08He have always loved me.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18I think he thrives on attention, he loves to be adored.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21I think he had the affair because...
0:38:23 > 0:38:25..he is...
0:38:25 > 0:38:26What's the word? Hang on.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31How do you say big-headed bastard in a different way?
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Kath kicked Owen out of the family home.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44It would take her over nine years to forgive him.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51If we'd got back together shortly after the affair and everything came out,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I don't think we would have got through it
0:38:54 > 0:38:57because I was very bitter for a number of years.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02I wouldn't have been able to let it go
0:39:02 > 0:39:05and it wouldn't have been fair on either of us.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09So I've had to get over that hurdle, which I have, and we're fine.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I could never have asked for anybody nicer than Kath.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18She stuck by me.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20You know. I wronged her.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Hindsight is a wonderful thing
0:39:22 > 0:39:24and I'm sorry about all of that now
0:39:24 > 0:39:28but, you know, I'm never going to be the perfect husband,
0:39:28 > 0:39:31you know what I mean? I...
0:39:31 > 0:39:32I'm not that way, like, you know.
0:39:32 > 0:39:38But...I try my best and we get on really well now, don't we?
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- Yeah.- And, you know, it's...
0:39:41 > 0:39:43You know, we...
0:39:43 > 0:39:48We don't kiss each other and do all that business that married people do
0:39:48 > 0:39:52but we respect each other, you know what I mean, don't we?
0:39:52 > 0:39:53We do kiss each other.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Yeah...
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Well, we do now and again. When I want to go out with the boys,
0:39:58 > 0:40:00I give her a little peck on the cheek.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- But you know what I mean, it's... - Yeah, I know what you mean.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04You get to a certain age like and...
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Sex is what we have our coal delivered in in Porthcawl.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11Yeah.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16I kissed her.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17A first.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Just pop yourself there.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Up the valley in Ebbw Vale,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36the panto team is practising one of the key scenes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39And with only a week to go until opening night,
0:40:39 > 0:40:40Owen is feeling the pressure.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I don't think you're going to have a problem.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- With the lighting and the smoke, it'll be fine.- Yeah.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48We are a little bit behind schedule at the moment.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51The transformation from the Beast back into the Prince
0:40:51 > 0:40:53is going to be very important.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56We are hoping that we can do it in the smoke.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01We've just bought a new down smoker which will cover a lot of things.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05So, just going to do it now, so let's hope it works.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Now the Beast has altered his ways, and discovered his one true romance.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14When my magical curse is put in reverse, he'll be given a second chance.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16One...
0:41:17 > 0:41:18..two...
0:41:20 > 0:41:21..three...
0:41:22 > 0:41:23..four...
0:41:24 > 0:41:26..five...
0:41:28 > 0:41:30It looks so crap.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35His gloves are getting stuck because they are sweating.
0:41:36 > 0:41:37We need to stop.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41I cannot do this scene with the stage like that.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45We cannot do this scene with the stage like that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Both the stage and costume malfunction is causing tension in the team.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51- It's not there.- It's hard to judge.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52Yeah, once she counts to five...
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Knowing we've got to get it off in a certain amount of time...
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Don't panic about it.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59We don't want the gloves off until the smoke comes down.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00So they are not coming off...
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- We can't take them off. - I think we need to do it...
0:42:03 > 0:42:07After a brief discussion, Owen wants to give it another try.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Here we go, then. This time, this will be it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Come on, please.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13..five...
0:42:13 > 0:42:15six...
0:42:15 > 0:42:16seven...
0:42:16 > 0:42:18eight...
0:42:18 > 0:42:20nine...
0:42:20 > 0:42:22ten!
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Yeah. Yeah, that works.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Lovely, OK.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32I'm going to put my clobber on, anyway.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36It's been a long week of rehearsals
0:42:36 > 0:42:38but the show's finally coming together.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42We did about seven or eight hours yesterday.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44Transformation, I think, will work now.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46So we should be fine.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49It's a bit different to The Lion King, byt.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51He was in The Lion King.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- That was the last show he did. - No, it's not different at all.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59All Owen needs now is for ticket sales to go well
0:42:59 > 0:43:02and a full house on the night.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04I could never be a real woman.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Sorry, I might have to have a hand off you.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22But it's not just in panto where Owen's invested heavily.
0:43:22 > 0:43:23He is heading up to Merthyr
0:43:23 > 0:43:26to check on the progress of yet another of his passion projects,
0:43:26 > 0:43:30one that has caused him both joy and pain...
0:43:31 > 0:43:33..Merthyr Town Football Club.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39He's catching up with old friend and current vice-chairman Anthony Hughes.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45The non-league side has had a special place in Owen's heart
0:43:45 > 0:43:46ever since he was a young boy.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50I think I discovered football at a very, very early age.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52My father was a professional footballer.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54My mother was a football fanatic.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57And I remember my father taking me up to see Merthyr
0:43:57 > 0:44:00playing at the age of about four, five,
0:44:00 > 0:44:04and I just fell in love with the Black and Whites of Merthyr
0:44:04 > 0:44:06and it's been there ever since.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10Following his split with Kath,
0:44:10 > 0:44:14Owen became the club's director and later its president.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22He was there when the Martyrs won the Welsh cup in '87 and again when they
0:44:22 > 0:44:26beat top Italian club Atalanta 2-1 at home.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30And when the club hit hard times a number of years later,
0:44:30 > 0:44:32Owen dug deep into his own pockets
0:44:32 > 0:44:36to prevent his beloved club from going under.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Owen is massive when it comes to Merthyr.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42Without Owen, there would have been times
0:44:42 > 0:44:45when the club would probably have ceased to exist.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48There's been times when the club has really been on its knees
0:44:48 > 0:44:51and it's been the finance raised through Owen's contacts
0:44:51 > 0:44:54and the events he has organised and put on himself,
0:44:54 > 0:44:57to be fair, that's kept the club afloat.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03But it would test Owen's passion to the limits.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06It would be just week after week after week, not only me -
0:45:06 > 0:45:10there were other people involved putting money in as well and trying to raise money.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13I remember lying in bed one morning
0:45:13 > 0:45:15and the phone goes and it's John Lewis, my manager.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18That boy Luke, he needs an operation on his knee.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21And he said, he's got to have this operation.
0:45:21 > 0:45:22I'm in Bupa now.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24I said, "Well, how much is it?" He said, "£2,000."
0:45:24 > 0:45:28So, I had to go and get my credit card, I paid for it there and then.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33It's unbelievable what a drain it is financially on your pocket.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38I think Owen, at that time, like the rest of us,
0:45:38 > 0:45:42knew that we were trying to save the football club
0:45:42 > 0:45:47and, unfortunately, I think that took a huge toll on Owen,
0:45:47 > 0:45:49emotionally and probably health-wise as well.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56The pressure of the football club and my weight -
0:45:56 > 0:45:58I put a lot of weight on -
0:45:58 > 0:46:02and I think a combination of all those things just...
0:46:03 > 0:46:05I think that's why I had the stroke.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19Despite living apart at the time,
0:46:19 > 0:46:21it would be wife Kath who would nurse him back to health.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26I always remember the night it happened because
0:46:26 > 0:46:29we had been out on the booze, as you do,
0:46:29 > 0:46:32and I just felt something go in my head, something pop.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36And when I woke up in the morning, I was all over the place.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40- My voice.- Yes, but when you phoned me, you were slurring, so I said,
0:46:40 > 0:46:42have you been drinking? You said no.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46And I thought, that's strange, because you were really slurring.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48- I was, yeah.- The way you sounded...
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- Yeah, true that.- And the way it was, I thought, oh, my gosh.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54No, I was concerned about you. I was worried about you.
0:46:54 > 0:47:00You were worried and you were depressed because your work involves
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- your voice for talking. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05You thought you wouldn't work again.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08My career was... I thought my career was definitely over.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13No, you're not the same. Definitely not the same.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17No, no. It's left a little mark in my head there.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20And I know when you get tired, the slur comes back again.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22Yeah. Mm.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31Ten years on, and Owen is almost fully recovered.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34But his illness would have a lasting effect on his outlook on life.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40Having a stroke made me re-evaluate my life.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45You know, my friends, my family, you take a lot of people for granted,
0:47:45 > 0:47:49don't you? But they really came to my help and got me through a really
0:47:49 > 0:47:51difficult time.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55I think I'm enjoying life more now than I ever have.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00I get up every morning and I say to myself, right,
0:48:00 > 0:48:03I'm going to enjoy today because you never know when your number's up.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16And it would be this strength of character that Owen would rely on in
0:48:16 > 0:48:18the months following the stroke
0:48:18 > 0:48:21when he faced a challenge of a different kind.
0:48:31 > 0:48:36Merthyr is the only place in the world I've ever come from.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39I will never come from anywhere else, wherever I go,
0:48:39 > 0:48:41anywhere in the world, where are you from?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44It's here. It's Merthyr Tydfil.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50As a young man, Owen lived on the Gurnos estate with his family.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56I learned a lot by living up here.
0:48:56 > 0:49:00It was a working-class area, and it gave me a lot of values.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02We were all in the same boat, really.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04We all got up early in the morning and went to work.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07It was a learning curve for me,
0:49:07 > 0:49:12knowing exactly what I needed to do in life and if I was ever successful,
0:49:12 > 0:49:14I would try and put a little bit back into the town.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17So, when Owen was invited to join
0:49:17 > 0:49:21a multi-million pound redevelopment consortium in 2005,
0:49:21 > 0:49:24he jumped at the chance to not only invest in his hometown
0:49:24 > 0:49:27but secure his personal finances.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33The idea was to build loads of houses,
0:49:33 > 0:49:37we were going to have a massive retail park there, schools,
0:49:37 > 0:49:38and a brand-new football stadium.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41We were going to bring, like, 3,000 jobs to the area.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46So we thought we had it made there, like.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Having enjoyed years of success as one of Wales' highest profile
0:49:51 > 0:49:56broadcasters, Owen was able to invest heavily,
0:49:56 > 0:49:58but then he got bad news.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00I had a phone call off a journalist friend of mine.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04He said, "Look, we've been told that three of your radio programmes are
0:50:04 > 0:50:08"coming off and you're going to be axed from the afternoon show."
0:50:08 > 0:50:11I was... I couldn't believe it.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13It was a big body blow for me.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21The rumours were true.
0:50:21 > 0:50:24Owen was cut from four shows to one.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27But this time, the rejection would hurt more than just his pride.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31I was on an interest-only mortgage
0:50:31 > 0:50:35and I was paying, like, 400 or 500 quid a month, I think it was.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37A big house.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39And all of a sudden,
0:50:39 > 0:50:41that finished and I had to pay...
0:50:43 > 0:50:45..almost £2,000 a month.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49The bailiffs came in one day and locked the door and that was it.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56But, then, it just went from bad to worse, really.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02Owen received the news that the plans for his Merthyr
0:51:02 > 0:51:05investment project had been rejected.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Overnight, he lost all of his life savings.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14It was embarrassing for me because I'd worked so hard all my life
0:51:14 > 0:51:16and all of a sudden, I end up with nothing
0:51:16 > 0:51:18and I had nothing in the bank, nothing.
0:51:18 > 0:51:22You can imagine what it was like for me,
0:51:22 > 0:51:24knowing that I was financially ruined.
0:51:26 > 0:51:27I was at a real low ebb, then.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30I mean, you know... Really down in the dumps.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34I never really confided in anybody,
0:51:34 > 0:51:37I didn't tell anybody that things were going bad.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39Can you imagine the headlines?
0:51:39 > 0:51:41Owen Money really is owing money, you know what I mean?
0:51:41 > 0:51:44They would have had a field day with my name, to start with.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51It was a very lonely time when all these things were happening.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54And the ironic thing about it is come Friday and Saturday,
0:51:54 > 0:51:55I had to go out on the stage,
0:51:55 > 0:52:01the lights would flash and I would have to get out there and tell my jokes and be as funny as I could.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03But behind the painted smile, I was feeling terrible.
0:52:20 > 0:52:24Nine years after being declared bankrupt, Owen still works hard.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26You got them working, Math?
0:52:26 > 0:52:29- You what?- You got them working?
0:52:29 > 0:52:30I don't know.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Tonight, he and the team are getting ready for
0:52:33 > 0:52:34the opening night of panto.
0:52:38 > 0:52:39One programme...
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Stand by, everyone, please.
0:52:45 > 0:52:46Shitting myself.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51- OK, we got clearance, ready to go. - Clearance. Here we go then.
0:52:53 > 0:52:54Fingers crossed.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06So far, so good.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09Now it's time for the star of the show to make an entrance.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13All right, man, I'm coming.
0:53:13 > 0:53:14Take your time, why don't you?
0:53:14 > 0:53:18Honestly, I haven't met anybody quite so lazy as you.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20- Eh? Me?- Yes, you.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24See this wagon here? I moved that down to the village - me, on my own.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27Would you like to just re-peat that?
0:53:27 > 0:53:29LAUGHTER
0:53:29 > 0:53:31I didn't remember it the first time. Let alone the second.
0:53:31 > 0:53:33LAUGHTER
0:53:34 > 0:53:39He's got the audience in good spirits but up next is the big reveal.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43Will the transformation of the Beast go as planned?
0:53:51 > 0:53:54It's a success. And a big relief for Owen.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05APPLAUSE
0:54:14 > 0:54:17After more than three months of hard work,
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Owen and his team have pulled it off.
0:54:19 > 0:54:23One down, 91 performances to go.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25I can't wait...
0:54:25 > 0:54:27for the next one, which will be tomorrow afternoon.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30I've got to get up at half past six for my radio show in the morning.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33So there's no rest for the wicked.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52Good evening. I'm Owen Money.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55I'm Eleri Sion. And we're still...
0:54:55 > 0:54:57- We're still awake?- We are.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00After 50 years in the entertainment business,
0:55:00 > 0:55:02Owen is still going strong.
0:55:03 > 0:55:0850 years of highs and lows, successes and setbacks,
0:55:08 > 0:55:11have shaped him into the man he is today.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14To most of us, he's a legend of the airwaves,
0:55:14 > 0:55:17a friendly and familiar voice that will put a smile on your face.
0:55:19 > 0:55:24But today, perhaps the biggest smile belongs to Owen himself.
0:55:24 > 0:55:25He's got the gig of a lifetime,
0:55:25 > 0:55:27broadcasting from the Euros
0:55:27 > 0:55:31in the run-up to Wales' crucial game against Russia.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34It's four hours before the game.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Four hours before the game. Look how many people we've got here.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40They're all Welsh. This is a dream of a lifetime for me to be here
0:55:40 > 0:55:41with all these great fans.
0:55:41 > 0:55:45And I'm so excited. All we want now is the right result.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48With me now, I've got Pam, Iris, and Linda.
0:55:48 > 0:55:49To be here,
0:55:49 > 0:55:53representing our country through the medium of radio
0:55:53 > 0:55:56is the greatest honour I think I've ever had.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59To me, this is the...
0:55:59 > 0:56:01This is...
0:56:01 > 0:56:06I really enjoyed having my MBE, but I think this absolutely tops that.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11It's just a fantastic time to be alive, to be Welsh,
0:56:11 > 0:56:13and to be here.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16THEY CHANT: Wales! Wales! Wales!...
0:56:25 > 0:56:27Me, I don't think I'll ever retire.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29You know? The thing is, I...
0:56:29 > 0:56:32I love the business so much, I think...
0:56:32 > 0:56:33I don't know what I'd do.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43# When I have worries
0:56:43 > 0:56:46# And I can't sleep
0:56:46 > 0:56:52# I count my blessings instead of sheep... #
0:56:52 > 0:56:54Age has never bothered me
0:56:54 > 0:56:58and I never ever thought ever about becoming an old person.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02You've got to enjoy every moment in life
0:57:02 > 0:57:04and I do from the moment I get up in the morning
0:57:04 > 0:57:07when my grandkids are waking me up, jumping on my head.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09I love it from that moment till I go back to sleep.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14People say to me, "Do you enjoy being Owen Money?"
0:57:14 > 0:57:16I said, "Well, I do, actually."
0:57:16 > 0:57:21I really do. I think I've brought happiness to a lot of people.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24It's incredible, the amount of people I've entertained over the years.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30I think the key to my success is being me.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32People say, "I like him, he's one of the boys."
0:57:35 > 0:57:40Owen Money went out one day, owing more than he could pay,
0:57:40 > 0:57:43Owen Money came back that day, still...
0:57:43 > 0:57:44owing money.