Daniel O'Donnell's eyes smile on female fans

Irish eyes were smiling as veteran singer Daniel O'Donnell took the stage to perform for his loyal Midland fans.

Thousands turned out to watch the The 49-year-old sing, dance and make non-stop jokes at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena last night.

And the predominantly female crowd, were not left disappointed as he performed some of the songs that made him such a household name including I Just Want to Dance With You and My Donegal Shore.

Half-way through the night, O'Donnell upped the tempo, with a medley of rock 'n' roll classics including Buddy Holly's That'll Be The Day, for which O'Donnell came on stage dressed in a sparkly silver jacket and quipped: "Justin Bieber – eat your heart out".

He was also joined on stage by fellow Irish singer Mary Duff for some of the slower numbers and they also did a short Irish dancing routine together, which received thunderous applause from the audience.

Taking a break between songs, O'Donnell quashed rumours that he was to retire soon, saying: "You're not getting rid of me that easily."