Daniel O’Donnell recently opened up about a terrifying experience he had while filming the first episode of his new travel series, Daniel and Majella’s USA Roadtrip. The episode, which airs this Sunday, kicks off with a dramatic moment that saw the country singer face a near-death experience while attempting to water-ski in the United States.
Despite his well-known fear of water, Daniel decided to take on the water-ski challenge, but things didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped. “I nearly died in the water,” Daniel admitted in a recent interview with RTE Guide. He explained that while he can swim, his fear intensifies when he’s in deep water or unsure of what he’s facing. “I thought I was going to pass out,” he said, recounting the harrowing moment. “I can swim but when I’m out of my depth in the water, I have a wild fear of it, when I don’t know what I’m dealing with.” The fear was palpable as Daniel struggled in the water, unsure if he would be able to make it through the challenge.
The intense moment was captured on camera, and it will be featured in the opening scenes of the Daniel and Majella’s USA Roadtrip series, which promises to offer fans an exciting look at their adventurous travels across the American Midwest in an RV.
But Daniel wasn’t the only one facing challenges during the shoot. His wife, Majella O’Donnell, took on an even more daunting challenge of her own. In the same episode, viewers will see Majella perched nearly 10 feet in the air, waterskiing while balanced on the shoulders of an American man. This daring feat was even more challenging for Majella, who was battling a perforated eardrum. The condition made it difficult for her to maintain her balance, leaving her feeling nauseous and dizzy.
Majella, 58, admitted that she was terrified of the experience. “It felt high,” she said, reflecting on the experience. “I’m not that agile, and when I was on his shoulders, I had to wrap my legs around his back to grip on. But I’m very stiff like that, I have a bit of arthritis.” Despite the fear and discomfort, Majella managed to complete the challenge, although she made it clear that she would never try it again. “I wouldn’t do it again,” she confessed. “But even though the waterskiing was scary, I like being challenged.”
While the O’Donnells are known for their lighthearted approach to their travels, the series also highlights moments of personal growth and overcoming fears. The couple’s bravery and willingness to push through their fears will resonate with viewers, who are excited to see more of their chemistry and adventures on screen.
Aside from the challenges they faced while waterskiing, the series also gives fans an inside look at how Daniel’s popularity in the U.S. continues to grow. During their travels, Majella was taken aback by the extent of Daniel’s following. “I went up to the jukebox in the café we were in for the craic,” she recalled. “And bugger me if there weren’t five albums belonging to Daniel on it.” The surprise recognition shows just how beloved Daniel is, even in America, where his fans continue to be enamored by his music.
Daniel and Majella’s USA Roadtrip promises to bring fans on a journey full of laughs, surprises, and heartwarming moments, as the couple explores new places, faces, and experiences in the U.S. Don’t miss the first episode this Sunday, where Daniel and Majella’s personalities shine, along with their resilience and good humor as they take on new challenges and adventures.