Susan Boyle, the middle-aged, learning disabled Scottish singing sensation who wowed the world a few years ago on the show Britain’s Got Talent, was in Ireland last Friday for an interview on The Late Late Show, and she showed what a true sweetheart she is!

Boyle was on the show with Elaine C. Smith, a singer who has co-written the new musical I Dreamed a Dream, which is based on Boyle’s incredible rise from obscurity to international stardom.  The show opens later this month in Newcastle, England and will tour a number of cities, including Dublin at the end of April. (Don’t be surprised if a Broadway run is in the future).

Boyle, the dowdy spinster who morphed into a beautiful star before our eyes during her run on Britain’s Got Talent – which went viral thanks to 100 million-plus hits on YouTube – spoke to Late Late host Ryan Tubridy about her Irish roots and her strong Catholic faith.

She’s been going to Knock Shrine in Co. Mayo since she was nine years old, she said, “and I intend to go in September again if I get the time,” she added.

Faith, she said, “is the backbone of my life,” and she looks to Our Lady as “a kind of psychiatrist if you like. She takes on everybody’s problems.”

Decked out in a bright green dress, Boyle spoke about her Irish connections in Donegal. Her mother’s people are from Buncrana, and she still has a number of cousins in the area who she visits.

“On my mother’s side are the McLoughlins,” she said. “I was here in January visiting a friend. I went to Buncrana and met some of the family so it was nice.”

Boyle, 50, was a charming guest on the show.  She spoke about her life and the bullying she endured as a shy child, but she’s certainly come a long, long way since those dark days.

How’s her life these days? “It’s bloody fantastic!” she gushed to Tubridy.  She certainly deserves it!