AN AUTISTIC singer from Manchester has been approached to appear as a guest on The Late Late Show, the world’s longest running chat show.
The family of Martin Finn - a 22-year-old Irishman from Atherton - said “it was a big surprise" to receive a call from the show's producers, adding "it would be marvellous and a huge thing for Martin" to appear on the show.
While an appearance is not yet confirmed, should an interview with Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy take place, Martin's incredible story will reach over half a million TV viewers this Friday night.
This morning, Martin and his parents John and Norma appeared on RTÉ Radio One’s John Murray Show to tell their tale.
Martin, who has autism, is unable to speak in full sentences but connects to the world through his amazing ability to sing note perfect – songs by the likes of Seamus Moore and Daniel O’Donnell to Robbie Williams.
He has also previously starred in a BBC3 production called Autistic Superstars, singing Yellow by Coldplay and You’re Beautiful by James Blunt, both notching up hits on YouTube.
His father John, from Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare, said he received enquiries from RTÉ this week, after his son was featured in The Irish Post.
“It would be marvellous and a huge thing for Martin,” Mr Finn said. “It was a big surprise to receive a telephone call on it. It’s a big show, huge in Ireland and we’d love if Martin got on.”
Mr Finn, 64, previously told The Irish Post that he and his family had serious concerns for Martin’s well-being into the future because of the specialised care he requires.
And it is their hope that Martin’s talent may be harnessed in some way that might help them to secure that future.
“We get the Irish TV into the house and Martin would watch The Late Late Show,” Mr Finn said. “Appearing on a show like that would be a massive thing for us and it would help raise awareness for Martin and maybe bring some opportunities.
"Thinking about his future is a constant worry because of the level of specialised care Martin requires. We can’t afford to get ill. It’s frightening.”
Should Martin get the opportunity of performing with The Late Late Show band, dad John added: “Most of the time Martin sings over backing music so we would have to rehearse it, but he has sung with the BBC house band in the past and that wasn’t a problem.
"Most of his gigs have been in clubs around where we live, but there wouldn’t be a problem with the crowd or the TV. Performing in front of 10 people or 10,000 people Martin’s routine is the same.”
