Chesney Hawkes retraces the journeys that shaped his life on Routes with Jenni Falconer

He looks back on the journeys that have defined his life, from childhood summers in Portugal and becoming a teenage pop sensation, to the destinations that continue to inspire his music and family life today.

The pair discuss how travel has been a part of every stage of Chesney's life and career, including the whirlwind success of The One and Only, which saw him touring the world as a teenager almost overnight.

Speaking to Jenni, Chesney says:

I was only 19, my brother was 17 and we were travelling around the world and headlining arenas and stuff like that. It was every young boy's dream. Obviously it had some down points as well, but when I look back at it, all I think of is the fun madness of it all."

Reflecting on how his chart-topping hit transformed his career, he adds:

The film came out and it was Roger Daltrey in Buddy's Song introducing Chesney Hawkes. Then, of course, the single came out and it just went crazy for me. Suddenly all the posters changed to 'The One and Only... Chesney Hawkes in Buddy's Song

Episode highlights include:

Growing up in Portugal: Chesney reveals how childhood summers in the Algarve sparked a lifelong love of travel and how he recently rediscovered his name carved into the rocks from the 1980s alongside the names his own children later added.

Life on the road as a teenage pop star: Following the success of The One and Only, Chesney found himself travelling the world with his younger brother, performing to arena crowds at just 19 years old.

Travel that inspires creativity: The singer explains why Iceland has become one of his favourite places to write music, saying the country's dramatic landscapes always leave him feeling inspired. 

Creating memories with his grown-up children: Chesney shares why he's been taking each of his three adult children on separate trips, believing travel is one of the best ways to spend quality time together before they begin families of their own.

Favourite destinations around the world: From the Maldives and the Bahamas to Barcelona, Hawaii and the Lake District, Chesney reveals the places that have left the biggest impression on him over the years.

Returning to Scotland: Chesney reflects on visiting his daughter while she studied at St Andrews and why Scotland remains one of his favourite places to tour.

The Chesney Hawkes episode is available from 7th July on all major podcast platforms, to watch on YouTube and listen onboard LNER trains.