Ali Carter: Ronnie Clash, Beating Cancer & Flying Planes ✈️

This week we welcome Ali Carter onto the channel for the first time. The Captain talks to Stephen about beating cancer, the infamous barge with Ronnie O'Sullivan, the standard of the most recent World Championship and what his goals are for the rest of his career. It really is a fascinating conversation.
We finish with 10 Quick Questions in the sky! Ali takes Stephen up in his plane for a little flight around the local area, whilst answering your questions. You don't want to miss that so you make sure you stick around until the end.
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[@TheBillPodcast]

Superb video, one of the best so far. I interviewed Ali in 2013 about his testicular cancer for ITV. He was a gentleman and when I said I'd be calling a taxi to take me back to the train station, he insisted on driving me personally in his sports car and even helped me carry my camera equipment. We talked non-stop on the journey. Quality guy and love watching him play. Delighted that he won a tournament either side of this interview.

[@jonnyjonnyjonnyjonny]

IN HIS SPORTS CAR 😂

[@hariskhan485]

Don't lie

[@ahoy96]

Not lying ​@@hariskhan485

[@markt2014]

Thanks for this insight Natalie, I agree best video Stephen has put up. I haven’t met Ali like you but he comes across as a totally genuine honest guy and one of my favourite players. By the way I love your podcast and was a massive fan of The Bill back in the day. What guests are coming up shortly on your podcast ?

[@liamcotter1830]

Ali comes across as very genuine and an absolute gentleman. It’s a pity he lets himself down by being so arrogant and unlikeable on the snooker table.

[@ewankenobi22]

Was impressive how having a conversation didn't seem to affect Ali's break building ability......until he was asked a question about Ronnie and immiediately missed 😂 Seriously that was genuinely the best I've seen any of the pros play whilst conducting an interview at the same time. Didn't seem to affect his flow at all

[@SamScanlan-vu1pb]

Deffo the best snooker whilst chatting 👌

[@harshitsingh3459]

Michael Holt was flawless while chatting

[@bobwallacejnr6852]

no

[@shaymayo6]

@@harshitsingh3459 he needs to chat on tour too...

[@anw3997]

Mark Williams was better

[@ledon26656]

So much respect for Ali for talking so candidly about his health issues. Us men need to be more open about these things and share our experiences with one another, as too many are suffering in silence. Unfortunately our culture discourages men from talking about these sorts of issues, but that's thankfully changing. I myself am going through a very hard time right now with my health and living with chronic pain in my pelvis and lower back, and it's really helps me whenever I hear other men talk about their experiences, it encourages me and makes me feel braver to talk with others about what I'm going through. Ali has just done this here and I guarantee a lot of other guys feel the same way. Thanks mate!

[@harrypell2603]

Sorry to hear that hope you make a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹😊👍

[@KeithWebb-cl1ld]

My option of Ali has changed for the better 👍🏻

[@Ytnzy250]

Option or opinion? Ah who cares uh 😁 👍

[@dilksjoel]

I thought he had a chip on his shoulder, but he just wears his heart (and sponsors) on his sleeve

[@Mick-Dempsey]

Seems like a solid man,no bull.Fair play to him he’s had a career that’s given him a dream life and he’s accepted no crap.

[@SamScanlan-vu1pb]

I agree, I wasn’t expecting to like him. I was wrong

[@tanikazeno3087]

Same here!😉

[@K2shadowfax]

It was nice to hear Ali chat about his journey up the mountain...he's a grinder, for sure! And he's looking very sharp on the table, too! And he pilots his plane on a sunny afternoon! This guy is living his dream...surely!? Good luck with everything ahead! Cheers!

[@matthewphilip1977]

Not a grinder at all, he has flair, and doesn't mess about either. Determined, yeah, and dogged, but that's not a grinder.

[@K2shadowfax]

@@matthewphilip1977 my 'grinder' comment referred to his climb up the mountain of life, with special emphasis on his recent medical issues. Ease springs!

[@generalmunro748]

He's not happy though is he, huge shoulder chips evident, very unlikeable no friends on the circuit, says it all

[@zorbakaput8537]

@@generalmunro748 You must have watched a different video.

[@TheCuggsmeister]

I'll be honest, I've only ever seen the negative press coverage of Ali so it was good to hear him speaking candidly to you in this video. It's completely changed my opinion of him. I hope he continues to succeed in the game.

[@sharpvidtube]

He's always seemed like a decent person to me, but I avoid most of the press coverage. He has some unconventional views, but I like that, it would be boring if we all thought the same way.

[@bbwnpat]

People are generally quick to judge celebrities and sports personalities and the likes on their public persona alone. These little snippets into snooker players’ lives are very revealing and in Ali’s case here, he comes across as a genuinely nice guy. Fair play to the bloke for all he has come through. Good luck to him.

[@sharpvidtube]

I thought he's always been a genuine person, unlike some, that just say the right thing all the time, when you know they probably don't mean it.

[@elmondo-pj6kk]

@@sharpvidtube Ali leads Hendry 9-4 H2H Ali is a genuinely nice person unlike UNHINGED NARSISCIST Hendry

[@brianmcsherry1338]

Ali just won the first ranking event of the season a video with Stephen makes everyone better!

[@simbasimba2029]

I feel a bit guilty now. I had judged Ali totally incorrectly. Much respect after all he's been through. Top bloke. Deserves to win a few more before retirement.

[@THEPINKFLOYDIANS]

Me too, I'll be cheering him on for the remainder of his career now. Decent bloke 😊

[@rogerharwood861]

Well, I went in with a preconception of Ali not being my fave character. I gotta say it was a quality all round video stephen. Agony aunt hendry strikes again. You got Ali to bare all. And as an avid ronnie fan, I've come to warm to Ali, as a competitor, as a person he is spiky and difficult/different.. but he allowed me to understand him more and now I respect him slightly more than I did. Good interview Steve. Think it was the first one where I wasn't interested in a single shot!

[@gurney2931]

I couldn't agree more Roger and I was just going to say exactly the same. Thanks for saving me a job !!!!!!!!

[@grahamspencer3946]

I agree 100%

[@MrTone41]

The best one ive seen so far, Ali comes across as a nice genuine guy, loved the flight at the end.

[@dilksjoel]

Ali is actually a very interesting guy, wears his heart on his sleeve and genuinely appreciative of his accomplishments in the game. He also offers fascinating insight with regards Ronnie's psyche. Great video.

[@barry2924]

Really good video, very honest chap

[@paulrichards6894]

i am the biggest ronnie fan and always hated Ali but this video as totally changed my opinion of him

[@dilksjoel]

@@paulrichards6894 I was a massive Ronnie fan too. Seen him live and even heckled his opponents. But I've seen the light now.

[@chrish1734]

I personally didn't like him. But after this video it's put him in a different light and I have a lot more respect for him. His honesty and how open he is. Fantastic to see.

[@chrisboggon9467]

15:24 His cleaner arriving, and her brilliant expression, just after Ali had been baring his soul was brilliant timing

[@jackbuff_I]

I noticed here Ali is the only one to 🤐 when Stephen was on his shot 👌🏼... lovely room too! What dreams are made of!

[@dilksjoel]

John Higgins

[@paulcloona9331]

Probably one of stephen best interview videos.

[@PuffycloudsHD]

always had a negative opinion of ali due to his wars with ronnie but this interview has completly changed my opinion on him, what a great fella

[@Harp00nX]

that was the reason i liked him lol other than that i used to think he was a grumpy sod but i can see i was mistaken

[@Snoozer-vine]

I was thinking so myself but ppl usually put their best foot forward in front of cameras. Ronnie is Ronnie and I certainly wouldn’t condone all his behaviour but suggesting he feels he needs to use shady tactics to win is plain ridiculous.

[@AnarchyEnsues]

Didn't expect him to speak with a working class accent... I like him a lot now.. you can tell he's a good bkoke

[@orbodman]

Always liked Ali. And the wind is changing for ROS. He is hammered and criticised a lot now on YT. Critics once were attacked by Ronnie fan boys. Now there are many of us enjoying putting the boot into ROS with no problem. He does deserve it. And huge congrats to Ali on his latest win.

[@Snoozer-vine]

@@orbodman Not everybody is into laying the boot into players, any of them. Criticism is one thing but you clearly spend a lot of time online to ‘enjoy’ that kind of thing. I’m only interested in the snooker they play tbh and both Ali and Ronnie are great players.

[@amigodawn1728]

Brilliant the best one yet. Ali Carter is an underated player. Very talented, intelligent and he has the will to win. Respect to him and good luck for his future.

[@9700am]

What a great guy Ali is. Stephen brings the best out of his “guests”. I learned so much more about Ali, what a hard core fighter, he is. Respect.👍

[@dontbewoke]

Say what you like about Ali Carter but no one in snooker's had to deal with the truly scary health issues he has.....he's very resilient. Good luck to him.

[@johnsrabe]

? Paul Hunter?

[@dontbewoke]

@@johnsrabe No one alive obviously.

[@toziassmitt]

Maybe they have and they just keep their private life, actually private, and don’t yap about it 24/7 like he does

[@fabianherzog7083]

@@toziassmitt He was literally asked about it and said he doesn't like to talk about it.

[@dontbewoke]

@@toziassmitt Wow you've got such a big heart. Bet you're so pleasant to know....

[@967mviews2]

Huge Ronnie fan, but the hate Ali gets from Ronnie fans is unjustifiable. What he's been through and managed to come out the other side is commendable. Big respect Ali. 💪 Ronnie watch the video and bury the hatchet with Ali! 👌

[@stitcha123]

@@967mviews2 the 2 things aren’t mutually exclusive. He’s come through cancer: yes. He’s a bellend: yes.

[@967mviews2]

@@stitcha123 so why the hate and why is he a bellend in your opinion?

[@tonybarfridge4369]

@@967mviews2 Cause he holds Ronnie's waistcoat tails

[@ninobixio6156]

Ali is a tough cookie. That was a lot to go through.

[@paulb1311]

Never understood the hate for Ali. Seems like a top bloke. Cracking video!

[@johndean4765]

Paulb tbf once Ali argued with ref Desi a while back, he COMPLETELY missed a ball Desi called foul initially but changed her mind and did NOT penalise him after he kept insisting he had hit it.

[@richardhall4830]

​​@@johndean4765yeah there been a couple of instances of Ali's eyes deceiving him in important moments in matches. Even his own description of Ronnie says he was helped massively by him as a teenager then bags him out over his demeanour at the table which is surely earned as the best ever.

[@loganroy3381]

@@johndean4765 That's on Desi, she needs to have the authority to stick to her decision.

[@loganroy3381]

It mostly has to do with some of his political views / conspiracy theories. Some people can't separate the person from the politics.

[@smarterproperty6378]

It’s the attitude. Too much moaning.

[@Jason-ww3xi]

Always thought Ali was given a bit of a raw deal when it came to his personality. Seems like a genuine dude, and on a purely snooker level no fan wouldn't want to watch him.

[@chrisml91]

Will definitely be watching more of Ali's matches now I've seen this. Top guy

[@streetspirit956]

why?

[@chrisfromnoosa1905]

I have seen multiple matches where Ali has been pure granite. I think this applies on and off the table.

[@shaybren2092]

honestly changed my whole outlook against ali carter, what’s he’s been through and overcome etc but to see what he’s like as a person also, respect to him and to have a pilot license to is just impeccable. Top video as per usual

[@tomscott2.0communisteditio64]

Top guy is Ali Carter, was very lucky to meet him at the Welsh open.

[@dilksjoel]

What was the score?

[@stewartsmith6182]

This is one of your best Stephen. I wish Ali every success. Absolutely brilliant.

[@seanrochford3161]

I'm a stonch Ronnie fan love the way he plays snooker... Love Ali cater too he's always been a great player

[@stitcha123]

Stonch?

[@seanrochford3161]

@@stitcha123 my bad staunch

[@smrriles5668]

Ali cater ...what's that ,an alligator that looks after you?

[@davidbrown9947]

One of the very best so far.

[@flobbingdonkey]

Probably one of the best cue powers in the game. Very few people can match an Ali Carter deep screw. I like Carter. I think he is honest about stuff and says what he thinks.

[@carlabrahams4403]

Quality isn't expensive it's Priceless,Great guy.Take no notice of Ronnie, it's his shadow self,coming out from time too time.I do respect you both thou.

[@slayer5097]

Legend in his own right, what hes gone through....and what a player....no one can deny that. I like both Ronnie and Ali, its possible you know.

[@craigmorgan4676]

It ain't Ronnie all the way......Mr angry!👀👀👀😫😬😬😡😡😡

[@ravivarman2020]

The best interview on this channel so far. The question most of us are waiting for @ 20:27

[@fhms4528]

That is the most underrated comment. 🙂

[@flipthescript-karatekid]

And then he went on to win the champ league after this. Good form

[@eugenekudrautsau7981]

Definitely one of the best interviews I've watched on the channel. Thank all the crew who are involved in production and special thanks to Ali and Stephen! All the best to you, guys! Cheers!

[@bluessky3905]

Absolutely love Ali Carter, great bloke and player!!

[@flipthescript-karatekid]

Still hoping to see the Spaceman make an appearance on this channel sometime

[@itellyouwhy6957]

To show off his watches,cues and condom collection!

[@dilksjoel]

Who's that?

[@flipthescript-karatekid]

@@dilksjoel Dominic Dale

[@samadbaksh]

I want to see ding

[@davidfelix2594]

@@samadbaksh Why? He can barely speak English, it won't be much of an interview.

[@cdg3818]

Reckon that might be your best video yet guys, had a bit of everything. Will certainly be watching Ali with renewed interest after this. Great stuff

[@SmokeandSteam]

That was a brilliant watch. Ali Carter deserves every win and every pound he makes. What a story, so brave of him to talk about his health so openly. He seems like a really decent fella. I wish him well. Great stuff 👏

[@igdes1]

Awesome hearing all that stuff I didn't know. Ali seems alright.

[@mytmt1613]

Great interview. Pretty sure Ali will win more tournaments, would be good to see him win the world. He seems a straight up guy.

[@Steven-ze2zk]

342 likes with zero dislikes at this point. Genuinely pleased to see that. Quality video and Ali comes across as a nice, genuine guy as usual.

[@stitcha123]

Oooh let me change that for you

[@Steven-ze2zk]

@@stitcha123 How many dislikes now? There was genuinely none just a few minutes ago.

[@gav25x]

The thumbs down number isn't visible

[@81Mace81]

@@gav25x Get yourself the "Return KZbin Dislike" extension, as of writing this it's currently 28 dislikes (a ratio more than Stephen's other videos sadly)

[@elkugelblitz]

@@Steven-ze2zk 846 like for 30 dislikes now; quite good considering we got Ali there. What a good episode though, might even be the best so far!

[@hifzurrahman5053]

Best pro to come so far, brilliant

[@Stevaldoxporiginal]

I'm waiting for the one where Stephen plays and chats to himself !

[@Cannibalable]

You're in luck! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGaceIeioNaWmMUsi=-l9ItclRWZuswST5

[@chrisml91]

That'll be the Mark Williams one you want

[@SquireJumy]

April fools day episode

[@krystofdayne]

He kind of did that in the video where he talks about his career

[@user-sm9yh8tg4y]

He has already done this, you obviously don’t watch all his videos!

[@weejim48]

It’s amazing to see Ali just talking and making a good break against Stephen one of the all time greats. Ali seems like a good lad and I never knew that he had been so ill. 👍👍

[@Dancatspoolschool]

That was fukkn brilliant. Best one yet. Stephen not shy with the questions!

[@JamesClark1991]

Great video. KZbin really has become gold these past few years.

[@garycrowther4912]

Great vid , not biggest Ali Carter fan before but admire his honesty and what’s he’s gone through to still be competing is amazing, fair play to him .

[@Marty79Party]

I'm the same age as Carter and had serious problems with Crohn's too. Big respect to him as I know how awful it can be. Great interview

[@analogkidabc]

Me too I've had crohns 30 years and always support Ali.

[@billyjoshnic95]

A very open and honest chat. I didnt know what the guy has overcome on a personal level, all while maintaining his status as one of the best snooker players in the world is commendable!

[@bigkk5698]

My opinion on ali has changed tremendously, always thought he was full of himself and arrogant, but after seeing him in this episode he's actually a really nice bloke, love how he's just knocked that break in while chatting away.

[@2010gtoner]

I'm a big Ronnie fan. listening to Ali has given me a bit of a different perspective I think

[@astorathgrim4257]

This is one of the many reasons I love watching cue tips you show the human element behind the snooker a chance to get to know the man that's behind all the players we love which I think is brilliant it makes it more personal, I like Ali Carter he's a great player and always thought he seemed decent but watching this video seeing him chat away you can see and feel that he really is a great bloke and very down to earth which makes me like him even more it's sad what he's been through but great that he's come out the other side strong and determined and I really wish him the best for future tournaments I hope he achieves what he wants to and more he deserves it.

[@exile4090]

Wow. This just brought me a whole new level of respect for this man. I will be honest I only watch the sport and play and dont really tend to see or follow their lives off the table. This is why im really enjoying this channel as I get a look into their mentality, lives and love for the sport which I wouldn't without it. Its open my eyes alot to not just have an opinion or judgement purely based on their manner and reaction at the table. Keep em coming

[@gazzoob6953]

Wow! Best one so far. Very candid!! 👍👍

[@davidmccarthy6390]

Great video. I now understand Ali a lot better, and am grateful for that. He is very much like many of my playing mates in his appraoch and attitude, And as a fellow cancer survivor I think we'd get along pretty well - we know all about that side of things and would have common ground there. lol

[@bornindissonance]

Another great one!

[@SquireJumy]

Absolutely wonderful seeing this after seeing Ali win the championship earlier. I watch a lot of highlights on KZbin but don't see many interviews, so its great to hear from him here.

[@mkeysou812]

Ali's been playing great snooker the last few years and I find myself rooting for him all the time now. He's such a scrappy underdog

[@christopherrichardson5352]

Ali is a lovely chap and a really good player to boot. Considering the health challenges he has faced it's even more impressive. Great to see The Captain in good spirits and doing well!!! 👍❤🛩

[@robertradford6351]

Absolutely brilliant episode, great to see Ali opening up about his very unfortunate health problems, love Ali, great he won just after this interview. Great ending too, best one yet Stephen

[@thomascoyne157]

Ali carter is a very nice person, and good luck to him 👍👍👍👍

[@danieladaniel2004]

I saw him in York last year at the UK Championship. I was too shy to go and say hi.

[@stitcha123]

You should have farted in his face.

[@BrianVincent-gz2dq]

Thank you so much Mr Hendry. You dont hold back on your questions, yet you remain very dignified and, indeed, sensitive and caring, in the manner in which you ask. What a superb "find" this was for me on KZbin. Consider me fully subscribed to your channel, unaware it even existed. A real gem. I bet if you asked all professionals the one player IN HISTORY that they would have loved to have played, our Alex would poll, at a minimum, at least 70%. 😁😁😁. Unlike quite a few, I have always liked Ali, and, for all the snooker fans out there, regardless of their opinion of Ali, (and I bet many opinions shall now change following your superb upload), they know he remains a VERY DANGEROUS opponent, and I hope he has few more titles to come. So, thanks again, Mr Hendry. Kindest regards, Brian from Bristol.

[@kevinkeogh6646]

Never disliked Ali, but have become a bigger fan of him after this. Another great video.

[@randomstringofletters]

This should be the standard length on these videos. Lovely one, one of the best!

[@modestben]

What a great guy, he comes across so genuine. Fair play to him

[@snookeredinbc6017]

Great interview this has changed my opinion on Ali Carter for the better

[@coellambert892]

Best video yet. Except the one with Gareth Potts as I’m in the background lmfao

[@LadyVesuvius]

To be honest, I've never been a follower of Carter, but really enjoyed this interview. He seems like a top bloke and a great player. Wish him all the best.

[@SportsFan0027]

For some reason I’ve always liked Ali…liked his grit and style. He’s a different character and that’s ok…glad to see others opinions of him changing

[@voggiful]

awesome Video I really enjoyed it!

[@Takerfanatic]

Probably the most I've seen Ali open up about his illness and everything it went with it. Must have been very hard to get through. But glad he talked about the Ronnie stuff and it's always a treat when they play each other because you know it might get heated!

[@snookerstones]

One the best ones yet - cool going up in plane

[@steveh572]

Great conversation. Ali seemed completely open to questions and answering them honestly

[@leroyrosenior4300]

"Ronnie's name isn't mentioned in this room." *Proceeds to talk about Ronnie for the next 10 minutes* 😅😅

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

A great talk / interview, thanks !

[@fmsd91]

Best one so far!!!

[@MegaSlanguage]

Brilliant, this. Never particularly warmed to Carter but this has changed my mind on him.

[@gilesmcdowall8860]

Fair play to Ali conquering his health problems and learning to fly a plane ✈️ as well as reading how Ronnie O’Sullivan tried to intimidate him during a game. Keep fighting ❤

[@matthewjamestaylorcom]

Great episode. Loved the plane trip!

[@lucianogreiner]

Amazing interview! Very nice to know a bit more about this gent

[@Combustion47]

Absolutely brilliant interview ✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@mrloop1530]

Great episode. Thanks to both of you.

[@t3ucy]

Amazing video, best one so far!

[@passingcars2022]

Dont think I'd end up being too different from Ali if I had his struggles. Got a lot more respect for him after this.

[@catdish2]

thank you. that was very nice! didn't know much about your guest's life only having seen him play. he seems like a rather nice gentleman.

[@rikgay857]

Just awesome,Ali is such a great player and so good to watch. 10/10!!!

[@user-yd5ri9td3p]

Great episode ❤

[@garethparr9482]

Just gets better and better this channel. Great chat and a great insight into a great player 👍

[@JohnJaySnookerChannel]

That was brilliant, really enjoyed that. I’ve gotta say I wasn’t the biggest Ali fan by any means but I like him a lot more after this 👌🏻🍀😉

[@Juventinos]

this was top. I can't believe how great this was. always amazed.

[@washurhandnow1347]

Go on Ali! Genuine interview and sharing of his thoughts with audiences

[@stagumphs]

The best ep ever. Amazing! Love Ali’s way. What a guy. So glad he’s here to tell these stories ❤

[@BelfastRobin]

I have loved this channel since its inception but this episode has hit new heights. I am so glad Ali is given the chance to show his talents and overlooked character. What a player as well with all that he has faced and I still think he has a TC in him. I always eye when a draw opens up for him

[@glenmcfarlane6952]

Im a ronnie fan, however im a snooker fan first. Ali comes across as a good guy and he’s a legend. Top man

[@philljenner4045]

Really enjoyed that, best one of the series.

[@jamiefurniss8279]

Great video, Stephen. One of your best yet, I’d say 👏 Ali was a great guest

[@Peter-hs7zn]

Love watching Ali play his a great player, great interview. Thanks Stephen from down-under.

[@Yellowswift3]

Great video, thoroughly enjoyed watching this! Thanks. :)

[@juchetony1910]

enjoyed every moment of that. Probably the best one yet.