POOR Daniel O'Donnell is getting caught up in the stockmarkets. A press release from the publicly-quoted Ritz Group trumpets him as "the brightest star" in its firmament and contains details of how he is going to "wow" America on a big tour starting in June. Some 330 Irish and British fans are paying £1,600 to follow "clean-cut Daniel, aged 35," around the States.

We are informed that "he does not drink and is firmly against drugs, though he enjoys a bet on the Lottery." Ritz trades on the London OFEX market and had its first chart hit with the Fureys and Davey Arthur's `When you were sweet sixteen'.

Charlie Landsborough is also a member of the stable. And just in case you were wondering, Ritz also sells Daniel O'Donnell key rings and tee shirts and runs his official fan club. And you thought stockmarket companies were boring.