Fair City Fans ‘Star Struck’ as Daniel O’Donnell Makes Surprise Cameo on RTE Soap
Carrigstown got a little more country this week — thanks to an unexpected appearance from Ireland’s most beloved crooner.
Viewers of Fair City were left stunned — and delighted — when Daniel O’Donnell made a surprise cameo on Thursday’s episode of the long-running RTE One soap.
The Donegal-born singer, affectionately known as “Wee Daniel,” appeared via FaceTime in a storyline centered around fan-favorite character Cass, who had promised to deliver a celebrity guest. Many residents of Carrigstown doubted his ability to pull in such a star, but Cass silenced his critics by introducing none other than O’Donnell himself to Lee.
Social Media Frenzy
As soon as the cameo aired, fans erupted on social media, with Twitter and Facebook filling with astonished reactions.
One viewer wrote: “Fair City — I am totally star struck with Daniel O’Donnell being on Cass’s phone.”
Another gushed: “Home after a hard day’s work… I sit down to flick on RTE, and lo and behold — one of the greatest TV moments of all time, Daniel O’Donnell FaceTiming Cass on Fair City. Remarkable.”
A third fan kept it simple but excited: “DANIEL O’DONNELL!!!! Eeek!”
Others playfully speculated about future storylines. One tweet joked: “Could wee Daniel be Hayley’s dad?” — referencing the ongoing family drama involving Hayley’s parentage.
Another viewer called for more Donegal representation on the soap, suggesting: “So a Donegal music legend Daniel O’Donnell had a subtle cameo appearance on tonight’s episode. Now wouldn’t it be fantastic to have another Donegal ambassador Noel Cunningham turn up in Carrigstown to rate The Pod? Great storyline idea!”
Not the First Celebrity Cameo
Daniel joins an illustrious list of well-known Irish figures who have popped up on Fair City over the years. Past cameos have included author Maeve Binchy, broadcasters Joe Duffy, Gay Byrne, Larry Gogan, and Marty Whelan, as well as musician Shane MacGowan.
A Perfect Fit for Carrigstown
While O’Donnell’s appearance was brief, the reaction showed just how deeply loved he remains by Irish audiences. Known not only for his music career spanning nearly four decades but also for his warm humor and down-to-earth personality, his cameo brought a moment of joy and light-hearted fun to the soap’s ongoing storylines.
For many viewers, the surprise guest spot was more than just a gimmick — it was a reminder of the enduring charm of both Fair City and Daniel O’Donnell, two cultural touchstones that continue to resonate across generations of Irish households.