Since I started in BZ, I must have been asked thousands of questions in hundredsof different languages. But now, I'm out on my own - there's no Ro, Keith, Shane and Mikey for me to turn to in interviews. My first album, New Beginning, is about to be released and I'm set to do all the press on my lonesome. But I've got to admit, I'm really excited about everything. I'm just about to be interviewed by someone who knows me better than anyone else I know. He'll be able to get all the top goss from me, just because he knows exactly the question to ask. Who is he? It's me! This is me in my own words, just for my friends at L&K, so let's me start with the question I'm asked the most...

So, are BZ finished for good?

No, not at all. We're just all doing our solo things for a bit. Mikey, Ronan and I are all working on music. Keith's doing his FBI presenting and Shane's busy working on his car racing. We're being like the Spice Girls and taking some time to play around on our own projects. But we want to tour together in the future.

Are you excited to be the first 'zoner to release a solo album?

Not excited, no. People are always going to make it out to be a competition between me and Ronan as to who gets solo stuff out first, but that's the way it is. Plus me and Mikey releasing a single at the same time makes for great press, doesn't it?

Are you surprised at any of the guys'solo projects?

I always knew I'd want to release a solo album at some point and that Ronan would too. Mikey's really into his own music too. Keith's done quite a bit of presenting now so it makes sense for him to carry on with that. And Shane loves the whole speed-racing thing so he'll be great at that. I've never seen Shane race, but he's a mad, fast driver, so I can imagine what it would be like.

How would you describe your state of mind these days?

I'm on good form, I'm stable. I feel on top of everything at the minute. I don't have any worries which is a nice place to be.

Do you still get a buzz from being recognized?

Yes, but I really do try and lead my life as normally as possible. I never hide myself away. I still go down the shops and do the cinema when I want to. If you run away from people, they'll chase you more. Staying calm about things is best.

You've talked about acting roles before : what's going on with that?

I've had a couple of offers. One was for a musical that I can't say much about right now, but acting is definitely something I'd like to get into. I'd have loved to be in The Beach, because that was great movie. It's been a long time since I've done any acting. I enjoyed the voiceover work that I did on Watership Down so I'd like to do some more of that too. I think Disney should do a movie about an Irish leprechaun and I could do the voice! I'd have loved a part in the new Lord Of The Rings film as well, that looks fabulous.

What are acting auditions like?

I still get worried about things like that. If Stephen Spielberg phoned up tomorrow and offered me an audition for his new film, I'd be terrified but I'd try not to show it! If I get a good part then great, so be it!

Are you much happier now that you've come out?

Definitely. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I was sitting in a hotel in Milan when the story broke. I was terrified, but the support I had from people has been incredible. I didn't know wether I'd get a good reaction from fans, but they've been great. I always knew I had the support of my friends and family, but to have the support of the fans as well means so much!

Do you still get attention from female fans?

If anything I get more than I did before! Fans always ask me where Eloy is and if he's alright and ask what we've been up. Always very positive things.

Do you think that you and Eloy would ever duet?

I'm going to write a song for Eloy's album, but I don't think we'll be singing together. He's working on a solo album right now, which I'm going to help him with. He's really excited.

It said in the newspapers that you and Eloy are thinking of adopting a child - is that true?

I'd love to adopt a child, but I don't have the time right now though, I have two dogs and I hardly have time to look after them! They're called Joey and Woody. Woody's an American cocker spaniel and Joey's a Shih-tzu.

You're heavily into spirituality...

Yes, I find it's a good way to make me feel positive and balanced about things. The world is so crazy that it's brilliant to be able to take some time out to relax.

Do you live in a huge house in the country?

I do live in a big house in Ireland, but I don't act like 'Lord of the manor' or anything. It's called The Millhouse and has loadsa land and a stream. People might have seen it when it was in OK! magazine. I think I'll be living there for a long while.

What advice would you give to an aspiring singer?

Be nice to everyone on the way up, because you never know who you might have to deal on the way down.

When you see younger bands like WL, do you get nostalgic about BZ's early days?

I remember our debuts in the charts with LMFAR and being on shows like L&K for the first time. That was really exciting, and I'm sure groups like WL feel the same. I'm glad that BZ are now at a stage where we can go off and do our individual things.

What's been your fondest BZ memory?

My 21st birthday was brilliant. We were in Argentina and decided to celebrate big style. To be honest, I can't even remember much aboout it as I was a little bit worse for wear. We all went out for dinner in Buenos Aires, (the capital of Argentina), and then ended up going to this rubbish old disco, a 'dancing around your handbags'-type of place. I was dancing with one of the girls from our record company and I trod on her toes. I'd had so much funn though and she had to drag me back into the hotel as I couldn't walk. That was a great night!