Siarad o Brofiad: Aloma Jones

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0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *

0:00:00 > 0:00:03- A glance - at the car's number plate...

0:00:03 > 0:00:06- ..instantly informs you - of its owner.

0:00:06 > 0:00:11- We're in Blackpool, at the home - of Welsh pop icon Aloma Jones.

0:00:11 > 0:00:14- This old lady - has travelled the world with me.

0:00:15 > 0:00:19- My grandfather saw it advertised - in the Exchange and Mart.

0:00:19 > 0:00:22- When we brought it home, - it was black.

0:00:22 > 0:00:23- The gilt was covered in black paint.

0:00:23 > 0:00:25- The gilt was covered in black paint.- - Despite the dents...

0:00:25 > 0:00:28- ..the harp - has been a trusty companion...

0:00:28 > 0:00:31- ..throughout - her long and colourful career.

0:00:32 > 0:00:35- Every home on Anglesey should have - a picture of Menai Bridge.

0:00:35 > 0:00:39- The journey began - 50 years ago in Llanerch-y-medd...

0:00:39 > 0:00:43- ..when Tony knocked - on Aloma's grandmother's door.

0:00:43 > 0:00:48- She became a teenage pop sensation - and her wild and hectic life began.

0:00:48 > 0:00:52- This was the first EP. - Just look at my hair!

0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Goodness me!

0:00:54 > 0:00:57- She was a mere 14 years of age - when her career took off.

0:00:57 > 0:01:00- She and Tony toured for six years...

0:01:00 > 0:01:05- ..before they split up temporarily - and Aloma joined The Hennessys.

0:01:05 > 0:01:08- When that collaboration ended...

0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..she formed a lasting relationship - with Roy James.

0:01:11 > 0:01:14- They have two daughters - - Emma and Leah...

0:01:14 > 0:01:17- ..both of whom - are raising their own children now.

0:01:18 > 0:01:22- Before she met Roy, Aloma - already had a daughter, Donna...

0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..who now lives - with her family on Anglesey.

0:01:25 > 0:01:29- Aloma's grandchildren - keep her on her toes...

0:01:29 > 0:01:31- ..but she continues performing...

0:01:32 > 0:01:34- ..at the Blackpool hotel...

0:01:34 > 0:01:39- ..that she, Roy and Tony own - and have run for the past 30 years.

0:01:45 > 0:01:50- I'm pretty certain that you're - the only Aloma I know of.

0:01:50 > 0:01:54- How does a girl from Anglesey - end up with such an unusual name?

0:01:55 > 0:01:57- My aunt had been living in London.

0:01:57 > 0:02:00- She was - going out with a man in the RAF.

0:02:00 > 0:02:04- She'd seen a film called - Aloma of the South Seas.

0:02:04 > 0:02:06- She loved the name.

0:02:06 > 0:02:09- Since she was the eldest daughter...

0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..she persuaded my mother - to call me Aloma.

0:02:12 > 0:02:15- That's how I got my name.

0:02:15 > 0:02:19- It's been a perfect name - in terms of your pop career.

0:02:19 > 0:02:22- You're known - by just your first name.

0:02:23 > 0:02:27- You beat Beyonce to it - by half a century!

0:02:27 > 0:02:31- But you didn't have - a traditional family upbringing.

0:02:32 > 0:02:36- That's right. My parents - were very young when I was born.

0:02:36 > 0:02:39- They moved to Trelogan near Rhyl...

0:02:40 > 0:02:44- ..when I was a year and a half - or two years old.

0:02:44 > 0:02:49- Mam was unwell, so she moved - back home to live with her parents.

0:02:49 > 0:02:52- My father - was supposed to come and fetch us.

0:02:52 > 0:02:56- There were no mobile phones in those - days. He just had to catch the bus.

0:02:57 > 0:02:59- But he didn't show up.

0:02:59 > 0:03:01- You were waiting for him?

0:03:01 > 0:03:03- You were waiting for him?- - Yes, I had new clothes...

0:03:03 > 0:03:06- ..to go and meet him off the bus.

0:03:06 > 0:03:08- But he didn't show up.

0:03:08 > 0:03:11- He wasn't on the bus - the following Monday either.

0:03:12 > 0:03:16- He sent a letter, saying he'd fallen - in love with the girl next door.

0:03:17 > 0:03:21- So my mother and I stayed with - my grandmother and grandfather.

0:03:21 > 0:03:25- When my mother remarried - and moved to Llangefni nearby...

0:03:26 > 0:03:29- ..my grandmother didn't want me - to move at that young age.

0:03:30 > 0:03:31- She wanted to raise me.

0:03:32 > 0:03:36- Your grandmother was - a strong figure in your upbringing.

0:03:36 > 0:03:39- She had to be. - My grandfather was a seaman.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43- He'd been in the navy all his life.

0:03:43 > 0:03:45- Taid would come home...

0:03:46 > 0:03:48- ..Nain would get pregnant...

0:03:49 > 0:03:52- ..Taid would go back to sea - and when he returned...

0:03:52 > 0:03:54- ..there was another child.

0:03:54 > 0:03:56- There were seven children in all.

0:03:56 > 0:03:59- There were seven children in all.- - When you think of that generation...

0:03:59 > 0:04:02- ..and I'm thinking - about my own family here...

0:04:03 > 0:04:07- ..the women were very strong - and often they were misunderstood.

0:04:07 > 0:04:10- They were sometimes - wrongly regarded as hard women.

0:04:11 > 0:04:14- But they did everything - out of love for their families.

0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Life was hard. - There was no hot water.

0:04:17 > 0:04:20- The toilet was in the back garden.

0:04:20 > 0:04:24- If I wanted the loo at night, - I had to wake my grandfather.

0:04:24 > 0:04:28- He had to put on his raincoat - over his long johns to go outside.

0:04:28 > 0:04:33- He took the trouble of cutting up - the Radio Times into squares...

0:04:33 > 0:04:38- ..and hanging them in a binder - on the back of the toilet door.

0:04:38 > 0:04:42- Life was hard - but I wouldn't change a thing.

0:04:42 > 0:04:46- Your grandmother - had musical aspirations for you.

0:04:46 > 0:04:49- She sparked your interest in music.

0:04:50 > 0:04:53- My grandmother's family - were all singers.

0:04:53 > 0:04:56- She made sure - all her seven children...

0:04:56 > 0:04:58- ..had singing lessons - and piano lessons.

0:04:59 > 0:05:01- Her eldest son, Vaughan...

0:05:03 > 0:05:08- ..had won a prestigious competition - at the Dolgellau Eisteddfod.

0:05:08 > 0:05:12- He was the apple of her eye - as the first born.

0:05:12 > 0:05:17- Vaughan's aircraft was shot down - over Germany during the war.

0:05:17 > 0:05:22- He was an air gunner. He was 19. - Nain was never the same after that.

0:05:23 > 0:05:25- Her life changed.

0:05:25 > 0:05:28- But I've a lot to thank Vaughan for.

0:05:29 > 0:05:32- Nain received a war pension, - as it was called.

0:05:32 > 0:05:35- As the months went by...

0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..it was used to pay for - piano lessons one month...

0:05:39 > 0:05:41- ..and harp lessons the next.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44- If it hadn't been for that...

0:05:44 > 0:05:50- ..I doubt they would've been able - to afford my musical tuition.

0:05:51 > 0:05:52- It was a great sacrifice.

0:05:53 > 0:05:56- They were willing to - put that money towards the lessons.

0:05:56 > 0:06:00- Yes, and Nain made sure - I went to every eisteddfod.

0:06:00 > 0:06:02- When my mother remarried...

0:06:02 > 0:06:05- ..John was the best stepfather - I could've wished for.

0:06:06 > 0:06:08- John had a car.

0:06:08 > 0:06:12- John was the driver. - He took me to the eisteddfodau.

0:06:12 > 0:06:16- Nain and her sisters - crammed into the back seat.

0:06:16 > 0:06:19- If I didn't win the competition...

0:06:19 > 0:06:21- ..then look out!

0:06:21 > 0:06:24- God forbid anyone should beat you!

0:06:24 > 0:06:28- You performed in public - from an early age.

0:06:28 > 0:06:31- I understand you sung - for dignitaries at Bodedern.

0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Yes, at Presaddfed Hall.

0:06:34 > 0:06:37- Mr Radcliffe - and his wife lived there.

0:06:37 > 0:06:41- Mr Radcliffe invited important - people to the manor house...

0:06:42 > 0:06:45- ..for pheasant - and clay pigeon shooting.

0:06:47 > 0:06:51- Coming from a council house - in Llanerch-y-medd...

0:06:51 > 0:06:54- ..with a toilet - in the back garden...

0:06:54 > 0:06:57- ..and going to - this manor house was incredible.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01- I'd perform - for these influential people.

0:07:01 > 0:07:05- One year, a crowd - of Americans had gathered there.

0:07:05 > 0:07:10- I had a chat with one of them. - I must've been about 11 or 12.

0:07:10 > 0:07:13- He was bowled over - by my singing and so on.

0:07:13 > 0:07:18- He explained to me that he was the - producer of a music show in America.

0:07:19 > 0:07:21- The Ed Sullivan Show.

0:07:21 > 0:07:24- I hadn't - really heard of it at the time.

0:07:24 > 0:07:28- He asked if I'd heard - of The Beatles and Elvis Presley.

0:07:28 > 0:07:32- I'd obviously heard of them. - I idolised them.

0:07:32 > 0:07:38- He'd met them when they appeared - on this Ed Sullivan Show.

0:07:38 > 0:07:43- He brought Mr Radcliffe - into the conversation.

0:07:44 > 0:07:47- He wondered if my family'd - allow me to go to America...

0:07:48 > 0:07:51- ..and appear - on The Ed Sullivan Show.

0:07:51 > 0:07:56- I thought it was a little further - than Menai Bridge at the time!

0:07:56 > 0:07:58- Maybe as far as Aberystwyth.

0:07:58 > 0:08:02- Anyway, Mr Radcliffe - went to see Nain and Taid...

0:08:02 > 0:08:06- ..and had a chat with them, - but they said no way.

0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Nain said I was going - no further than Aberystwyth.

0:08:10 > 0:08:12- She didn't see it as an opportunity?

0:08:12 > 0:08:14- She didn't see it as an opportunity?- - She didn't know where America was.

0:08:15 > 0:08:17- She didn't know - where Aberystwyth was.

0:08:17 > 0:08:22- She was interviewed for a place at - the College of Music in Manchester.

0:08:22 > 0:08:25- My grandparents - came with me to the interview.

0:08:25 > 0:08:29- I'd played the piano - and sung for them...

0:08:29 > 0:08:31- ..and it went very well.

0:08:32 > 0:08:34- A woman - came to hear me play the harp.

0:08:34 > 0:08:39- She asked me if I'd be interested - in doing a degree in performance...

0:08:39 > 0:08:42- ..instead of - a teacher's training degree.

0:08:43 > 0:08:47- She explained to me that she was - a harpist with the Halle Orchestra.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51- Sir John Barbirolli - was the conductor at the time.

0:08:51 > 0:08:56- She said she could do with a deputy - to tour with the orchestra...

0:08:56 > 0:08:59- ..when they went overseas...

0:08:59 > 0:09:04- ..so that she could stay at home - to lecture in the college and so on.

0:09:04 > 0:09:07- I thought it sounded OK.

0:09:07 > 0:09:10- I hadn't travelled very much - but it sounded OK.

0:09:11 > 0:09:15- I got back to the car and - started telling Nain all about it.

0:09:15 > 0:09:18- Nain looked like a turkey - in the front.

0:09:18 > 0:09:21- "What's wrong?" I said. She said, - "You're not coming here."

0:09:22 > 0:09:26- I said, "Everything went well. - They said there's no problem."

0:09:26 > 0:09:31- She said, "I've seen nothing but - black people go back and forth."

0:09:31 > 0:09:33- She was of a different generation.

0:09:33 > 0:09:37- She was of a different generation.- - They'd never seen a black person.

0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Are you a touch annoyed - with your grandmother...

0:09:41 > 0:09:45- ..that she wasn't more enthusiastic - about that opportunity?

0:09:45 > 0:09:47- I'm more annoyed with myself.

0:09:47 > 0:09:52- It was my decision not to go. She - would never have stopped me going.

0:09:52 > 0:09:56- When I thought about it - and considered...

0:09:56 > 0:10:00- ..everything they'd - done for me over the years...

0:10:01 > 0:10:04- ..even though they were poor...

0:10:04 > 0:10:09- ..and paid for me to have - harp lessons, piano lessons...

0:10:09 > 0:10:11- ..violin lessons, singing lessons.

0:10:11 > 0:10:15- They did - everything they could for me...

0:10:15 > 0:10:19- ..and yet - I never reached my full potential.

0:10:19 > 0:10:22- I've said this many times...

0:10:23 > 0:10:27- ..to friends and family members, - and all they say is...

0:10:27 > 0:10:32- .."There was no-one prouder of you - than your grandmother."

0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Nain was - quite a crotchety character.

0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Everything had to be right.

0:10:45 > 0:10:47- But she was also...

0:10:49 > 0:10:52- ..one of the most protective people - I've ever known.

0:10:53 > 0:10:55- I'm sorry!

0:10:58 > 0:10:58- .

0:11:02 > 0:11:02- Subtitles

0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:11:06 > 0:11:09- This year, Aloma, - it's exactly 50 years...

0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..since you and Tony - met for the first time.

0:11:13 > 0:11:17- It was the summer of 1964, - believe it or not.

0:11:17 > 0:11:19- How did you meet?

0:11:19 > 0:11:21- It was through my grandmother.

0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Tony came to our home, - looking for my mother's brother.

0:11:26 > 0:11:30- He'd been singing for a while - with various skiffle groups...

0:11:30 > 0:11:34- ..and also sung duets - - Everly Brothers' songs and so on.

0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Tony was looking for him.

0:11:37 > 0:11:40- He was arranging a concert - in the local chapel.

0:11:40 > 0:11:43- But, of course, he wasn't home.

0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Nain invited him in, regardless.

0:11:45 > 0:11:48- "Aloma, sing. - Play the harp. Do this."

0:11:48 > 0:11:50- I felt like a performing seal.

0:11:51 > 0:11:53- I did whatever Nain said.

0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Tony had never seen a harp.

0:11:56 > 0:12:02- I'm sure it must've been - a bit of a wow factor for Tony.

0:12:02 > 0:12:06- He asked me if I'd - like to perform in the concert.

0:12:07 > 0:12:09- I would've been 14 at the time.

0:12:10 > 0:12:12- I thought nothing of it.

0:12:12 > 0:12:17- But your rise from those - humble beginnings was sudden.

0:12:17 > 0:12:21- An audience of 50 - suddenly became 500, then 1,000...

0:12:21 > 0:12:27- ..and 3,000 at the eisteddfod - in Pontrhydfendigaid and so on.

0:12:27 > 0:12:32- We were travelling from Cardiff - late at night on a Thursday...

0:12:32 > 0:12:35- ..getting in at 6.00am - and I wouldn't go to school.

0:12:35 > 0:12:40- Did that fatigue lead to - difficulties between the two of you?

0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Perhaps, - but we always worked it out.

0:12:47 > 0:12:51- We'd argue with one another - on the way to a concert.

0:12:51 > 0:12:55- We'd fight like cat and dog - and we'd quarrel backstage.

0:12:55 > 0:13:00- I'd cry, my mascara would be running - down my face and I'd be cursing him.

0:13:00 > 0:13:03- But the minute we'd get on stage, - we'd be like this.

0:13:04 > 0:13:07- You could hear people saying, - "Aren't they cute?"

0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Five minutes earlier - you felt like killing him!

0:13:11 > 0:13:16- Do you think the Welsh music scene - took advantage of young artists?

0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Without a shadow of a doubt.

0:13:20 > 0:13:25- I'm sure everyone who sang - during that era would say the same.

0:13:25 > 0:13:28- I wouldn't say - that people took advantage...

0:13:29 > 0:13:32- ..but the concerts we performed - were always for a good cause.

0:13:33 > 0:13:35- You had to negotiate your fee...

0:13:35 > 0:13:38- ..because of that good cause.

0:13:38 > 0:13:44- We were mistreated by the people - who were producing the records.

0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Cambrian Recordings, in our case.

0:13:48 > 0:13:51- You were never certain - how many copies were sold.

0:13:51 > 0:13:55- They promised us - that the money was on the way...

0:13:55 > 0:13:57- ..but it never reached us.

0:13:57 > 0:14:01- They said they sent the money - by post but it never showed up.

0:14:01 > 0:14:06- When you were at the height of your - success at the end of the 1960s...

0:14:06 > 0:14:10- ..people might not be aware - of just how many records you sold.

0:14:11 > 0:14:15- You sold more than 70,000 copies - of the EP, Mae Gen I Gariad...

0:14:15 > 0:14:20- ..and Caffi Gaerwen, which was - an astoundingly high number...

0:14:21 > 0:14:23- ..considering - you were singing in Welsh.

0:14:24 > 0:14:26- People bought records back then.

0:14:26 > 0:14:30- They'd go to concerts, - listen to the radio and buy records.

0:14:30 > 0:14:35- Looking back, considering the amount - of copies that are sold nowadays...

0:14:36 > 0:14:38- ..it does sound like a high number.

0:14:38 > 0:14:42- As a pop star, you were - at the height of your success.

0:14:43 > 0:14:48- Your personal life changed when - you had your first child, Donna.

0:14:48 > 0:14:51- I was determined - to do things my way.

0:14:51 > 0:14:53- It was meant to be.

0:14:54 > 0:14:58- When she was born, they tried - their best to persuade me...

0:14:58 > 0:15:03- ..to give her up for adoption - but I refused.

0:15:03 > 0:15:07- People came to the hospital - and doled out this advice?

0:15:07 > 0:15:09- Who exactly were they?

0:15:09 > 0:15:13- I think they were called - 'alma' nurses back then.

0:15:14 > 0:15:19- Nain said I could return home - but not with a child.

0:15:19 > 0:15:24- My own mother - had been poorly in hospital...

0:15:24 > 0:15:27- ..so we couldn't take - the little one home to her...

0:15:28 > 0:15:31- ..until she'd had - her injections against TB.

0:15:31 > 0:15:37- They told me they'd take her - to the hospital across the road...

0:15:37 > 0:15:41- ..and quarantine her - until she had the injections...

0:15:41 > 0:15:43- ..and then I could pick her up.

0:15:44 > 0:15:46- But I was afraid to let her go.

0:15:46 > 0:15:48- I didn't trust anyone.

0:15:48 > 0:15:53- There was so much talk about - my bright future and my education...

0:15:53 > 0:15:56- ..and how all this would change - if I had a child.

0:15:56 > 0:16:00- I trusted no-one.

0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Wherever she went, I went.

0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Tony persuaded my grandparents - to visit me.

0:16:06 > 0:16:11- My grandfather was a quiet man. - He was a very quiet man.

0:16:11 > 0:16:15- Nain definitely wore the trousers - and called the shots.

0:16:16 > 0:16:20- Nain was standing at the bottom - of the bed looking angry.

0:16:20 > 0:16:24- I started crying. - "I want to come home, Taid."

0:16:24 > 0:16:27- He looked at Nain and said...

0:16:27 > 0:16:31- .."Look, Lil, this girl's coming - home and she's coming home now."

0:16:31 > 0:16:34- I'd never heard him raise his voice.

0:16:35 > 0:16:38- So Donna and I - were back home by teatime.

0:16:38 > 0:16:40- From the minute I took her home...

0:16:40 > 0:16:43- ..I barely got the chance - to hold her.

0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Nain completely took over - once again.

0:16:46 > 0:16:49- She was bowled over?

0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Yes, she was besotted with her.

0:16:52 > 0:16:56- The district nurse - came to visit me in the early days.

0:16:56 > 0:17:01- She'd say, "I can tell Mrs Davies - has given the baby a bath today...

0:17:01 > 0:17:06- "..because I can smell the lavender - water from the bottom of the road!"

0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Tony ac Aloma - split up temporarily in 1972...

0:17:10 > 0:17:14- ..but still remained - very close friends.

0:17:14 > 0:17:18- The relationship you have - is unusually close, isn't it?

0:17:19 > 0:17:22- Yes, it is, I have to admit.

0:17:22 > 0:17:26- We go back so many years.

0:17:26 > 0:17:29- In those early years - when we started singing...

0:17:30 > 0:17:32- ..we shared so much.

0:17:32 > 0:17:34- It was Tony and me - against the world.

0:17:35 > 0:17:40- Tony had been a lorry driver - and he'd worked on a farm.

0:17:40 > 0:17:42- I was a schoolgirl.

0:17:42 > 0:17:45- We knew nothing - about theatres, lights...

0:17:45 > 0:17:48- ..and fees.

0:17:48 > 0:17:52- We held on tight to one another...

0:17:52 > 0:17:55- ..in case we drowned - in this big lake around us.

0:17:57 > 0:18:00- That closeness still remains.

0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Tony always says - that I'm his right hand.

0:18:05 > 0:18:09- If he needed a kidney transplant, - then I'd be his donor.

0:18:11 > 0:18:15- There are no words to describe - the relationship we have.

0:18:15 > 0:18:19- But whatever it is, - it's very strong.

0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Roy has been in Aloma's life - almost as long as Tony.

0:18:25 > 0:18:29- But they weren't together - during Tony ac Aloma's heyday.

0:18:29 > 0:18:31- I met Roy while I was at school.

0:18:31 > 0:18:34- I went to the Isle of Man on holiday - when I was 16.

0:18:35 > 0:18:38- While I was studying for - my A Levels, Roy would write to me.

0:18:39 > 0:18:43- I think he came to Anglesey once, - so he knew where my family lived.

0:18:44 > 0:18:47- He came with his girlfriend - on that occasion.

0:18:47 > 0:18:48- You were just friends at the time?

0:18:48 > 0:18:50- You were just friends at the time?- - Yes.

0:18:50 > 0:18:53- When Tony and I separated - for the second time...

0:18:54 > 0:18:59- ..months later, Roy had been singing - with a group in the Camp and Valley.

0:18:59 > 0:19:02- He called to see my parents - in Llangefni.

0:19:02 > 0:19:07- He was sure that I was married - and had disappeared somewhere...

0:19:07 > 0:19:09- ..with a house full of kids.

0:19:09 > 0:19:11- But I wasn't.

0:19:12 > 0:19:16- Mam told him I still lived - with Nain in Llanerch-y-medd.

0:19:16 > 0:19:18- So Roy came to see me.

0:19:18 > 0:19:22- I told him the story - and how the singing was over.

0:19:22 > 0:19:25- He said, - "If you come to Blackpool...

0:19:26 > 0:19:29- "..there's definitely - work there for you.

0:19:29 > 0:19:31- "You're very welcome."

0:19:31 > 0:19:35- That led to a new career - singing with the stars...

0:19:35 > 0:19:38- ..in nightclubs, foreign hotels - and cruise ships.

0:19:38 > 0:19:42- Later, they decided - to buy the hotel in Blackpool...

0:19:42 > 0:19:45- ..and provide entertainment, - with Roy on the piano...

0:19:46 > 0:19:48- ..and Tony ac Aloma back together.

0:19:48 > 0:19:50- The three of us managed it well.

0:19:51 > 0:19:53- If Roy and I - were busy in the kitchen...

0:19:53 > 0:19:58- ..Tony had the pleasure of taking - the children for a donkey ride...

0:19:58 > 0:19:59- ..or a stroll along the promenade.

0:19:59 > 0:20:01- ..or a stroll along the promenade.- - What's interesting for me...

0:20:02 > 0:20:06- ..is that the arrangement - is completely natural for you.

0:20:06 > 0:20:10- The role Tony plays in your life - and your relationship with Roy.

0:20:10 > 0:20:13- To people on the outside, - it seems unusual.

0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Yes, quite possibly.

0:20:18 > 0:20:22- You can see the disappointment - on people's faces when I say...

0:20:22 > 0:20:25- .."This is Roy, - the father of my children."

0:20:25 > 0:20:28- "Oh. Hm. OK then."

0:20:28 > 0:20:31- I suspect it's hard for him too...

0:20:31 > 0:20:35- ..because everyone - wants their lifelong partner...

0:20:36 > 0:20:40- ..to be the closest person, - or their soul mate.

0:20:41 > 0:20:45- In Welsh culture, you're - always going to be linked to Tony.

0:20:45 > 0:20:47- That must be difficult for him.

0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Yes, it certainly is.

0:20:50 > 0:20:55- Tony will say he doesn't know - how he's put up with it.

0:20:55 > 0:20:58- He doesn't even understand Welsh...

0:20:58 > 0:21:02- ..but sometimes he's surrounded - by people speaking Welsh.

0:21:02 > 0:21:04- But he's never complained.

0:21:04 > 0:21:09- He understands and he's - supported everything we've done.

0:21:09 > 0:21:14- I feel - incredibly lucky to have him.

0:21:14 > 0:21:16- He's been an amazing partner.

0:21:16 > 0:21:19- He's looked after me during illness.

0:21:19 > 0:21:23- He's supported - what I've done with Tony.

0:21:23 > 0:21:25- I couldn't ask for more.

0:21:25 > 0:21:29- He understands the music world. - He's a musician himself.

0:21:29 > 0:21:31- I couldn't have done better.

0:21:31 > 0:21:34- I couldn't have done better.- - Would your life have been easier...

0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..if you hadn't met Tony?

0:21:41 > 0:21:45- I don't think so. - It would've been totally different.

0:21:45 > 0:21:49- I would've certainly - carried on with my music.

0:21:49 > 0:21:51- I would've gone to college.

0:21:51 > 0:21:55- I would've been a teacher and - my life would've been different.

0:21:55 > 0:21:59- But it wouldn't have been - half as interesting.

0:21:59 > 0:22:02- My life - has been full of ups and downs.

0:22:02 > 0:22:07- There's been sadness, fun, friends. - I wouldn't change a thing.

0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Is it true - you play bingo with Tony every week?

0:22:10 > 0:22:14- We used to, - but they stopped us smoking there.

0:22:14 > 0:22:19- I lost interest after the smoking - ban, and I wasn't smoking outside!

0:22:20 > 0:22:24- You're still an Anglesey girl - at heart, aren't you...

0:22:24 > 0:22:27- ..despite touring abroad...

0:22:27 > 0:22:31- ..and all the experiences - you've had performing?

0:22:31 > 0:22:34- You enjoy life's simple pleasures.

0:22:34 > 0:22:37- You enjoy life's simple pleasures.- - The older I get...

0:22:37 > 0:22:39- ..those pleasures change...

0:22:39 > 0:22:42- ..and perhaps get better.

0:22:42 > 0:22:45- We all say - we don't like getting old.

0:22:45 > 0:22:49- It's alright for men - you mature - like a fine wine or cheese.

0:22:49 > 0:22:53- But for us women, - everything falls south.

0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Wine turns sour too, you know!

0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Not in our house! - It's not there long enough.

0:23:01 > 0:23:05- I think, 'I don't like being old, - I don't like being old.'

0:23:06 > 0:23:10- I lost two brothers-in-law - in their early 50s.

0:23:12 > 0:23:16- That's when I decided - that getting old is a privilege.

0:23:19 > 0:23:22- The alternative - is not being here at all.

0:23:23 > 0:23:25- I said I wanted to interview...

0:23:25 > 0:23:29- ..a pop icon from the Welsh - music scene for this series...

0:23:30 > 0:23:32- ..and I've done just that, - so thank you.

0:23:32 > 0:23:35- Thanks, Gwion. - You made the job easy.

0:23:50 > 0:23:52- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.

0:23:52 > 0:23:53- .