Daniel O’Donnell Leaves ITV Viewers in Stitches with Hilarious ‘Big Knickers’ Remark on This Morning
Daniel O’Donnell has once again proven that his charm and sense of humor are just as enduring as his music career. Appearing on ITV’s This Morning this week, the Donegal-born country star left hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary — and the studio audience — in fits of laughter with a cheeky one-liner about fans throwing underwear on stage.
The 61-year-old music legend joined the programme to promote his latest album, How Lucky I Must Be, alongside his ever-popular annual calendar. But what began as a light discussion about music and his career quickly turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the morning.
The Moment That Stole the Show
As the interview unfolded, Hammond playfully teased O’Donnell about his reputation as a heartthrob. “You are a massive heartthrob,” she declared with a grin. The ever-modest O’Donnell quickly batted away the comment, joking, “Shh, that’s a lie!”
Unwilling to let him off the hook, Hammond pressed further, asking with mock seriousness: “Do you still get ladies throwing knickers at you on stage and stuff?”
Without missing a beat, O’Donnell delivered the punchline that had both Hammond and O’Leary doubled over with laughter:
“Well, they’re just a wee bit bigger than they used to be now.”
The cheeky response sent the presenters into hysterics, with Hammond struggling to compose herself as O’Leary covered his face, laughing.
Fans React: “Our National Treasure”
The clip was quickly shared on social media, where it gained thousands of views within hours. Fans were quick to applaud the singer’s wit, calling him “a national treasure” and praising his down-to-earth sense of humor.
“That’s our Daniel O’Donnell, he’s so funny,” one fan wrote.
“He’s a bit of craic is Daniel,” another added.
Others described him as “a gentleman with a great sense of humour,” while one Irish fan summed it up best: “Our national treasure.”
The warm online reaction highlighted the affection in which O’Donnell is still held by audiences in both Ireland and the UK — not only as a performer but as a personality who never takes himself too seriously.
Promoting New Music and More
Beneath the laughter, O’Donnell also spoke about his new album, How Lucky I Must Be, a collection of songs that reflects on gratitude, love, and the simple joys of life.
The album marks his near 50th release, a staggering achievement that underscores his decades-long presence at the top of the Irish and UK charts. He also discussed his famous calendar — a staple among fans for years — which continues to sell out annually, often becoming the subject of playful conversation on programmes like This Morning.
A Career Built on Music and Humility
The incident is a reminder of what has made O’Donnell so enduring: a mix of humility, humor, and relatability. Despite being one of Ireland’s most successful recording artists — with a world record for charting new albums every year for over three decades — he has never lost touch with his audience.
Whether talking about family life with his wife Majella, reflecting on personal health struggles, or, as in this case, cracking a joke about knickers, O’Donnell has mastered the art of balancing fame with a grounded, approachable persona.
A Lighter Side of Legacy
While some artists prefer to keep interviews strictly professional, O’Donnell’s willingness to laugh at himself continues to endear him to generations of fans. His “big knickers” remark was a playful nod to the reality of aging, delivered with the kind of warmth that makes audiences feel like they’re sharing a joke with an old friend.
In a world where celebrity interviews often feel scripted, O’Donnell’s spontaneity was refreshing. And judging by the delighted reaction of Hammond, O’Leary, and viewers across social media, it was a reminder that even after four decades in the spotlight, Daniel O’Donnell still knows how to steal the show — one laugh at a time.