DAVID ESSEX is set to play Southampton tonight on what he says will most probably be he last ever tour.

At the age of 69 the internationally renowned singer, composer and actor has said he wants to tour just one more time for his fans and is back on the road for the first time in over four years.

All nights on the 21-date tour have been selling like hot-cakes and at the time of going to press there were just a handful of tickets left for tonight's show although there will be another opportunity to catch him at the Bournemouth International Centre on Friday November 18.

Incredibly, it will see him perform much loved hits spanning over his entire 50 year repertoire.

David's big break came in 1971 when he was cast as the lead - and so the first person permitted to play Jesus Christ by the Lord Chamberlain's office - in the massive West End hit Godspell. He received major awards and some ecstatic reviews which saw him lead a cast at the Roundhouse and then at the West End for two years.

A pop career soon followed for the blue-eyed, tousled-haired teen heart-throb - and he scored huge hits with tracks such as Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star, Hold Me Close, Lamp Light, Oh What A Circus, Silver Dream Machine and A Winter's Tale.

He had a successful film career, notable movies including That'll Be The Day, Stardust and Silver Dream Racer. He also continued to perform in the theatre, starring in roles including Che Guevara in Evita.

Most recently David has taken up writing. Last year he released a book of 75 poems, Travelling Tinker Man And Other Rhymes.

He is currently promoting his first novel, Faded Glory. About a washed-up boxer, it draws on his experiences growing up in the East End.

BOOK SIGNING AND CHANCE TO MEET DAVID ESSEX

David Essex will be signing copies of his new book Faded Glory in Southampton on Tuesday, December 6.

This will be from 2pm at WHSmith Above Bar, Southampton.

NOTE: An earlier version of this article had an incorrect date listed for the Southampton book signing. This has now been amended.