The Script's Danny O'Donoghue impressed with "champion" Wigan MMA coach Tom Blackledge

Danny O’Donoghue, a former coach on hit TV show The Voice, trained with Blackledge while he was in the north west to play a concert in Manchester.

And the Irishman – whose hits with The Script include Hall of Fame, Superheroes and Breakeven – had nothing but compliments for the Wigan coach.

“I went down to Tom’s gym after a friend had hooked it up,” he said. “The things I picked up there will stay with me for life, like movement and how to shift your weight around being our size – we’re both 6ft 4ins.

“He’s a legend in the game and trains champions so it was an honour to have his eyes on at such an early stage in my martial arts journey.

“He was a terrifyingly explosive fighter and I was intimidated at the idea of heading in there to do pads etc. But he is a gentle giant and excellent at being able to break down complex fighting movements into simple terms even I could understand.”

O’Donoghue, 39, continued in a statement: “Mental health is massive among men and having an outlet like training and fighting is perfect for men my age, keeps testosterone high and releases endorphins which are really the best drugs you can take.

“I advise anyone to get down and have a go as I started now and can’t stop.

“Thanks to Tom and the Blackledge family for feeding me too at the Power Kitchen, delicious food – top stuff.”

Wiganer Blackledge made an appearance in the UFC during his own fighting career and now coaches mixed martial arts full-time.

The 39-year-old has been a guest coach for the Ultimate Fighter reality TV show and trained Quinton Jackson when he starred as BA Baracus in the A Team movie.

“I’ve been fortunate to train a few famous actors and musicians, and Danny was a really top fella, very humble,” he said.

Blackledge coaches a number of fighters and MMA-enthusiasts out of his gyms in Leigh and Wigan, and has been at the coalface as the sport’s popularity has soared.

“When I fought in the UFC there was a show every two or three months – now there are shows every week, sometimes twice a week, and that growth is replicated at every level,” he said.

“I value a coach on what they can turn a person from, to. Some people want to excel in MMA while others want to learn martial arts, get fit and be a part of the team – and we get people here at both ends of the spectrum.”

Blackledge, meanwhile, will be hoping Wigan’s Mike Grundy and Atherton’s Tom Aspinall are triumphant in their respective UFC fights in London next weekend.

“I’m made up for them both,” he said. “Mike has another good fight and Tom’s a lovely lad, I’m good friends with his dad, it’s great to see them living their dreams.”