Derek Ryan is one of the biggest names in Irish country music, and there have been many twists and turns on his journey from boyband idol to pub singer and then country music star.
In this special programme for BBC Northern Ireland to mark 10 years on the road, Derek reflects on his career highs and lows, musical influences and has a virtual catch-up with family at his new home in Fermanagh.
In the early days, Derek was a boyband teen idol performing on Top Of The Pops with D-Side, before the pop bubble burst and he found himself writing songs in a London bedsit and playing gigs in pubs.
God’s Plan – a song that has accompanied many brides down the aisle – gave Derek his big break and he reveals how reinventing himself as a country singer felt like returning to his roots as he was raised on Irish trad and country music.
Delving into the Keepin’ ’er Country archive, Derek relives the moment when he provided the live soundtrack for an unusual marriage proposal – in a stable!
This trip down memory lane would not be complete without music, and Derek brings his band together for a special live performance with a virtual audience. There is also a unique virtual duet with accordion virtuoso, Sharon Shannon.
In this Keepin’ ’er Country special there will be plenty of craic, chat and a few surprises to keep fans entertained, so hold on to your hats!
Keepin’ ’er Country at Home: Derek Ryan is on BBC One Northern Ireland, Monday 5 April at 10.30pm and also available on BBC iPlayer.