Michael Dapaah on new series Break Time and how show was ‘therapeutic’ to Raheem Sterling-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Michael Dapaah has spoken about his ‘therapeutic’ conversation with Raheem Sterling ahead of his new show Break Time (Picture: Getty Images)

Michael Dapaah is coming back to the spotlight with a bang, as he works with some of the biggest names in sport for new series Break Time.

The actor, comedian and musician – who shot to fame in 2017 with viral track Man’s Not Hot – is now showcasing his skills as an interviewer in a new sports and entertainment series.

Break Time, which will air on YouTube, sees Michael speak to top athletes about the things they wouldn’t normally be asked in interviews: namely, their lives off the pitch.

The very first episode, released on Saturday November 19, features England footballing legend Raheem Sterling.

And according to Michael, the sports icon found the whole thing very therapeutic.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, the entertainment all-rounder explained he came up with the idea for Break Time as he has friends in ‘both the entertainment and sports industry – I know the things that people deal with behind the scenes.’

Michael’s alter ego, Big Shaq, became a viral rap sensation in 2017, while Michael himself is an all-rounder in entertainment (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I thought it would be great to create a series which basically looks away from the pitch, away from what everyone else sees… what helps them stay relaxed, motivated, overcoming mental challenges.,’ he explained.

‘We have conversations away from being a pundit or someone just trying to get clickbait… These are the things we talk about, encouraging each other.’

Giving a glimpse at what to expect from the series, Michael spoke about his first guest Raheem, noting he found it very therapeutic.’

Break Time’s first guest is England icon Raheem Sterling, who speaks about the highs and lows of his life (Picture: Getty Images)

‘We have a section called Highlights and Lowlights, where we discuss the high points during his career, and some of the low points. And he just stopped me and said “Bro, this is the best thing I’ve done in so long.”‘

Break Time isn’t just two people sitting and having a chat – instead the episode is cut up into segments, beginning with a quick fire icebreaker before moving on to conversations while cooking or other activities.

And with Raheem – ‘we were basically sitting down and painting fruits.

Michael said he wanted to give athletes like Raheem the chance to talk about life off the pitch (Picture: Getty Images)

‘And he said “Bro, you don’t understand how therapeutic this is – I’ve never done anything like this.”

‘For me, that was a great moment because that’s the focus of creating a show like this. It’s for people to be able to be themselves. There’s this mutual understanding, that mutual respect and relationship.’

Asked what he’s most looking forward to audiences seeing on the new series, Michael’s answer was instant: ‘just people being themselves.’

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‘The World Cup’s coming up, and in [interviews] footballers just talk football, football, football, football. But they’re real people going through real things.’

Michael Dapaah’s Break Time begins Saturday, November 19 on YouTube

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