SHE is the singer that took the world by storm with songs like The Closest Thing to Crazy and Nine Billion Bicycles.

But after fulfilling a six-album recording contract she signed as a teenager with their composer Wombles creator Mike Batt, Katie Melua seemed to pull away from her recording career.

The good news is the 32-year-old singer is back - with a brand new album and a UK tour that takes in Southampton 02 Guildhall next Friday (November 25).

Multi award winning recording artist Katie is joined on stage by the 23-piece Gori Women's Choir for the very special concert series.

Her new album, In Winter, features the choir and sees 25 female voices blend to create a sound that is both powerful and delicate.

Known as a singer, song-writer and guitarist, Katie took the role of co-producer of the album for the first time. The discovery in 2014 of a recording by Gori Women’s Choir was the spark for the record.

“I was mesmerised by their tone and sonic richness. They are essentially a vocal orchestra,” said Katie.

“The last 18 months of working with Gori Women's Choir in Georgia has been so inspiring. I am immensely looking forward to performing with them across the UK and Europe this winter," she told the Daily Echo ahead of the tour.

Katie Melua released her debut album Call Off The Search in 2003, which topped the charts and sold 1.8 million copies in its first five months of release. Since then she has released five further studio albums including 2013’s Ketevan which is her birth name.

Apart from tracks from In Winter Katie will be performing hits from her back catalogue including The Closest Thing To Crazy, Nine Million Bicycles and Just Like Heaven.

Tickets: Call 023 8063 2601 or visit 02guildhallsouthampton.co.uk