While Danny Jones is a doting father to his six-year-old son Cooper whom he shares with his wife Georgia Horsley, his relationship with his own father is notoriously strained.
The singer, 38, hasn't had contact with his dad Alan for nearly two decades after he separated from his former wife Kathy in 2005 and went on to wed Sharon in 2007.
Danny's father Alan's comments
During a new interview with MailOnline, Alan said: "I would say the last time I shook Danny's hand was about 18 years ago."
Of having never met Danny's son Cooper, he went on to say: "I always keep my fingers crossed that one day it will happen, but Danny is in charge of that, not me.
© Instagram"I can't just fly back to England and say 'Hi, I'm here', that's too much for him. I think one day, you know, I always hope it will happen."
Family confessions
The McFly frontman hasn't spoken at length about his relationship with his father, but he made some rare comments during his time on I'm A Celebrity. Speaking to Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse, he said of his father: "He was amazing yeah, we went to see Bolton Wanderers every weekend, got a Maccy Ds before, I’ve got great memories.
© Shutterstock“He was a hugger, he was a kisser and then when he left us, that’s when I had to grow up real fast, I bought my mum’s house. I was 18 years old, I bought myself a flat in London and I bought my mum’s house, and I put my sister through university.”
He admitted that he has developed a close bond with his campmate Barry McGuigan, describing him as the "fatherly figure" in his life.
“My dad, he doesn’t speak to me. It’s just weird because I don’t feel I’ve really healed with it maybe," The Masked Singer winner added. Oti brought up the option of going to therapy, to which Danny replied: "You still crave your dad and that’s what’s hard. That’s why I get so much satisfaction out of Barry.”
In the Bush Telegraph, Danny elaborated: “I think the world of Barry, he’s amazing and we’ve been through this whole experience together. It’s just nice having someone older than you that does replace that kind of fatherly figure. Just to put his arm around you and have your back. I’ve not had that feeling for a while."
The singer also touched on his family life during an appearance on the White Wine Question Time podcast in 2022. Opening up, he revealed that he still gets "angry" every Father's Day and revealed that his anxiety issues were first sparked when Alan left the family.
© InstagramAlthough Danny has avoided discussing his father in numerous exclusive interviews with HELLO!, he has often shared heartfelt tributes to his mother, Kathy.
"To simply say 'thank you' doesn't seem enough," he said in his wedding speech. "You have loved and supported me through everything I've done. I could not ask for a greater mum. I have an awesome life and you are a huge reason for this. I hope I make you as proud as I am of you."
Danny on fatherhood
In spite of his own experience, the McFly lead guitarist has always spoken fondly about his role as a father to son Cooper. Even before the loved-up couple welcomed their son into the world, Danny enthusiastically revealed his hopes for fatherhood.
© Getty Images"I hope I am going to be a really chilled dad and have loads of patience," he told HELLO! during an interview about Georgia's pregnancy. "I don't want to be stressy as I know I'll worry, but I want to enjoy the process."
Elsewhere, he added: "The most important thing is letting your kid be whatever excites them, to believe in themselves. My mum was so good at that. I'd come in and play guitar and make loads of noise, but she'd turn off her favourite programme and it gave me that belief that someone wanted to listen to me."
Danny and the former Miss England winner tied the knot in August 2014 and went on to welcome their son four years later. At the time, Danny shared on Instagram: "So overwhelmed with love, welcome to earth Cooper Alf Jones born today 1:36am."
Despite relishing parenthood, the couple don't appear to be in a rush to welcome a second child. During an interview with HELLO! back in 2019, the singer said: "We'd love it but I don't think it would be fair to bring another child into the world while we're so busy. Being a parent is tough and it does get stressful but the good moments are really good."
