AS live music returns one North East venue is set to host one of the biggest names British music.

Fans of Olly Murs won’t have to wait long to see him perform live again as his tour kicks off this weekend.

One of the venues the 37-year-old singer will be heading to is the Darlington Arena this August bank holiday weekend.

The musician has built up an extensive singing and Tv presenting career since coming second in the X-Factor back in 2009.

In an interview with the Northern Echo, Mr Murs revealed that he had never been to Darlington before.

Mr Murs said: “I can’t wait to get back out on tour again, just to get back on the road and remember what I do for a living, it’s been a while.

“I have never been to Darlington before on any of my tours, so I am excited to see what it has to offer and what the people are like.

“Its one of the things I love about touring, going to all these places that I have never been to.

“I’ve done Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough so I have been in the North East a lot but never been to Darlington.

“One thing I love about the region is the people, the people are always up for a gig which is great.

"The people in the North East are very humble and passionate.

“I am so pleased that I can get out and do this, not many musicians are touring at the moment due to the pandemic and I am proud to say that I am one of the ones that is.

“Its good to get into a place with a massive crowd, a lot of energy and raise the roof.

“I was at a gig last week and the number of smiles on peoples faces was great to see, I think, people have really missed going to gigs and seeing live music.

"Its been a difficult year for us all and I can't wait to be back doing what I love the most."

Mr Murs, who is not shy of the small screen hinted at a few projects coming up including presenting a new Tv show.

He added: “I have got some new music that I am working on, on top of that I have a brand-new show coming to ITV called Starstruck.

“I am looking forward to it and all the new challenges, its going to be something new and fresh for audiences.”

Mr Murs previously presented X-factor and is currently one of the judges and coaches on the Voice UK.

Tickets are still available online for the event on Saturday, August 28.