The Daily Star Ireland
TV presenter Lucy Kennedy is full of praise for Irish footballer James McClean, who features in the latest episode of Living With Lucy. Speaking ahead of Sunday night’s show, the broadcaster said she “arrived a stranger and left a friend” after spending time with the Derry-born athlete and his family.
The new season of Living With Lucy — which sees the Virgin Media host move in with a celebrity for a few days — premiered last week with an episode featuring Caitlyn Jenner in Malibu. This Sunday, Lucy travels closer to home, joining James McClean, his wife Erin, and their four children in Wrexham, where he currently plays football.
Inside McClean’s World
The episode traces McClean’s journey from his childhood in Creggan, County Derry, to his career at Wrexham AFC, exploring the places and people that shaped his life. Along the way, Lucy meets his parents, gets a taste of his daily routines — including a boxing session — and even tries to spot a few Hollywood faces at one of Wrexham’s matches.
In their conversations, McClean opens up about some of the most defining moments and challenges of his career: the ongoing poppy controversy, the abuse he has endured from football fans, his autism diagnosis in his 30s, and the decision to keep speaking out despite public backlash.
“You are going to love James,” Lucy said. “He’s been called controversial because he refuses to wear the poppy, but after living with him, I understand why. He’s proud of his roots in Derry, and when you go back there, you can feel the weight of the past. There’s a lot of pain and pride there.”
A Deeper Connection
Kennedy described McClean as “shy” and not particularly media-driven, but said his wife Erin helped convince him to take part in the show. “He’s such an interesting man,” she explained. “He’s not the kind of person who seeks the spotlight, but once we got talking, it became a really meaningful few days. I stayed with him, Erin, and their four kids — it was a proper family experience. He’s a devoted dad and husband. I arrived a stranger and left a friend.”
She also reflected on the courage it took for McClean to discuss his autism diagnosis and the online abuse he faces. “He gets a lot of hate, both on social media and in the stands, but he’s handled it with incredible strength,” she added.
During filming at Wrexham’s home ground, Kennedy got a glimpse of the Hollywood glamour behind the club’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. “They were actually there,” she laughed. “I tried to spy on them, but word must have spread that there was a nosy Irishwoman hanging around — they vanished pretty quickly! It was still amazing to see behind the scenes. It’s just like the TV show.”
From Malibu to Derry
The first episode of the new series featured a very different experience — living with Caitlyn Jenner in her striking hilltop Malibu home. “Politically, she’s not my type,” Lucy admitted, “but she’s a great conversationalist and very open. I enjoyed my time with her even though we disagreed on a lot. It showed that two people from completely different worlds can still live together and talk.”
Kennedy, who has now lived with more than sixty public figures for the show, said the experience with Jenner was “eye-opening.” “She’s 75, I’m 49 — she’s a transgender Republican in America, and I’m an Irish mum of three in Dublin. We couldn’t be more different, but we managed just fine under one roof.”
Other Guests and Dream Housemates
This season also features Nicola Tallant, crime journalist and podcaster. Kennedy described living with her as “fascinating,” saying, “Nicola’s incredibly calm and strong — one of the most composed people I’ve ever met. She’s very fair in how she approaches people, and off-camera, she’s lovely. We had great craic — pyjamas, wine, and chats!”
Lucy personally chooses every guest and says she’s never been forced to live with anyone she didn’t want to. As for her dream housemates, she still has her eyes on Tánaiste Simon Harris, Ryan Tubridy, and Piers Morgan — though all have so far declined.
“They all blame their wives,” Lucy joked. “Simon Harris told me I’d have to ask his wife; Ryan’s very private and doesn’t want a camera crew in his home; and Piers… well, he’s just playing hard to get. He’s not camera-shy! I think I’ll get him for the next series. He’s marmite, but he’s not off my list yet.”
A Busy Life Behind the Scenes
Between her morning radio show, writing books, television commitments, and raising three children with her husband in Dún Laoghaire, Kennedy admits her schedule is overwhelming. “There are days when I lie on the floor and think, ‘Why did I say yes to everything?’ September to December is always chaos — new episodes, book releases, school runs. I wish I could spread it all out.”
When asked if she’d ever flip the format and let someone move in with her, she laughed: “Oh, no! I’m far too boring. I don’t have a good work-life balance. I try to do yoga once a week and walk the dog, but I’m hopeless at time management. Everything’s last-minute with me. I need someone to move in and teach me how to live a calm, organized life!”
Living With Lucy airs Sundays at 9:00 PM on Virgin Media One and is also available to stream on Virgin Media Player.
