Michael Bublé announces UK tour dates
Michael Bublé has just announced his first full UK tour in four years – and its taking place next summer!
Following two sold-out shows in London earlier this year, the Canadian crooner returns with seven UK dates among a huge world tour in 2019.
This announcement comes following rumours that the singer was to retire from music. After a break from the public eye to focus on his family, Bublé returned to the studio to record his newest album ❤ (pronounced love) which will be released tomorrow (16 November).
Fans have an opportunity to get their hands on tour tickets before they go on general sale; everyone who orders and pre-orders the new album from HMV before 11:59pm on Sunday 18 November will receive exclusive access to pre-sale tickets for the tour.
The album features covers of favourite American songbook classics, including When You’re Smiling and the lead single, When I Fall In Love, which was originally a hit for Nat King Cole in 1957 and famously covered by Rick Astley in 1987.
The album also includes original songs Forever Now, written by Bublé, and recent single Love You Anymore, penned by Charlie Puth.
Bublé’s Summer 2019 UK arena tour includes two dates at London’s O2 – Thursday 30th and Friday 31st May.
Tickets for all shows will go on general sale on Friday 23 November at 9am.
The singer sold a massive 200,000 tickets for his ten-night residency at The O2 back in 2013 so you’d better not hang about if you’re a Bublé devotee!
Strictly’s Christmas Special celebrity line up revealed
Strictly Come Dancing is welcoming back six of its most-loved contestants for this year’s Christmas Special.
Returning to the ballroom for the festive season are Anita Rani, Ann Widdecombe, Caroline Flack, Aston Merrygold, Jake Wood and Michael Vaughan. They’ll be paired with professional dancers Neil Jones, Anton Du Beke, Gorka Marquez, Janette Manrara, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova.
Of the six celebs, Caroline Flack is a former winner; speaking about her return she said, “I can’t quite believe it’s been four years since I had the best time of my life, dancing with Pasha on the Strictly dance floor. My Glitterball still has pride of place in my living room! It always felt like a family at the SCD studios, so how could I say no to performing one last time on this year’s Christmas special? It’ll be the best present I could imagine.”
Ann Widdecombe was a fan favourite who proved to be a talking point every week with her ‘dancing’ attempts. Commenting on her return she said, “I am very much looking forward to returning to Strictly, where I shall once again be pushed, pulled, cajoled and coaxed around the dancefloor in all manner of ways by my poor dance partner. Who knows, they might even fire me out of a canon.”
Of the men, cricketer Michael Vaughan is feeling the least confident about his chances. He revealed, “Having not danced at all since 2012 I can’t be any worse than then as I had no clue then, still have no clue, but can’t wait to have some fun and at least it will help lose a few pounds over the Xmas party season!”
This year’s theme is fairy tales and making dreams come true. Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine in a bid to be crowned Christmas champions 2018.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2018 Christmas Special will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Head Judge Shirley Ballas on hand to critique the couples.
The studio audience will decide the winner and one couple will lift the Silver Star trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.