IT’S hard to imagine Jane McDonald ever being in a bad mood.

On TV she comes across as eminently likeable and it’s exactly the same when you get to speak to her in person.

Perhaps it’s that down-to-earth nature that has built up such a devoted following from her first appearances on the documentary series The Cruise to today when she’s sold out the London Palladium.

“It’s daft,” she confides, her Wakefield accent not diminished by her years in the big time.

“I can’t believe how busy things are. But don’t get me wrong, I’m loving it.”

Next month, Jane is going back out on the road.

“It promises to be an incredible show,” she said.

“We’re putting so much work into the whole production. The whole team is phenomenal. I’m so lucky to be working with them.”

Last year Jane quit as one of TV’s Loose Women.

“I was so honoured to be on that show and to be allowed into people’s homes,” she said.

“But it got to the point when I was doing 100 live TV shows a year and then doing a similar number of concerts. I was worn out.

“Then again, since I’ve stopped Loose Women I’ve not exactly been taking it easy but at least with the forthcoming tour I’ll be able to have a lie-in.”

Her forthcoming tour is a far cry from her early days performing in clubs around the country.

“Since my early twenties I’ve only ever considered myself a working singer,” she said, “and I still do.

"I really do feel fortunate every day to be doing a job I love.

"I’m glad I had the experience of playing to four people in a club in between the bingo as I’ve learned to appreciate every good thing that’s happened to me.”

Already famous for her singing, Jane is now developing as a songwriter with a number of songs in the new show being self-penned.

“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed,” she said, “but now I’ve got the confidence to take it seriously.

"I’ve performed one or two of my own songs in the past but now I’m looking at putting together an album that’s all my own work.”

But fans need not worry that some of their favourites will be missing from the live show.

“You always have to remember that the fans come first,” said Jane.

“They have been so loyal to me and I wouldn’t dream of letting them down.”

* Jane McDonald, Liverpool Empire Theatre, Sunday, May 1; Preston Guild Hall, Friday, May 13.