FOLLOWING his triumphant return to Southampton for a four night residency at Mayflower Theatre Craig David has officially announced details of his new album.

Called 'The Time is Now' it will be released on January 26 but is available to pre-order now. It features collaborations with Bastille, JP Cooper, AJ Tracey, Ella Mai, Kaytranada and Goldlink.

Meanwhile his new single 'Heartline', which is produced by Jona Blue, is out now.

Southampton's home-grown star has also announced more live performances too with new TS5 shows at the O2 Academy Brixton, O2 Academy Birmingham and The Warehouse Project, Manchester in November.

Ever humble and grateful for his fans' continued loyalty, Craig said: “If the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that life can change in a moment and you’ve gotta make the most it!

Just in the same way my life was flipped upside down all those years ago, I’m genuinely so grateful to be standing here today doing what I love the most.

By doing the simple things that enrich my heart, I've found the same magic that got me into making music as a kid.

The motivation and inspiration behind this album was all down to the huge realisation that even when I wasn't as focused, there were amazing lessons to be learnt.

Making the choice to dive in to the unknown, build TS5 from the ground up and work with a new wave of producers to focus on the only thing that matters NOW ..making great music for you.

This is authentic me, doing what I love, just like I did when I was an unknown artist - that kid from Southampton making mixtapes in his bedroom and taking risks.

TS5 has had a whole new meaning this year, for all of you that have been with me on this adventure, you’ve all played a huge part in how this album turned out.

Playing this new music live, I got the same buzz I did DJ’ing in clubs back in the day, testing the new tracks in my live sets - that was the making of ‘Born To Do It’.

This album is me going back to those days of simple story telling and waving the flag for UK R&B. "

And in a direct and heart-felt 'thank you' to fans he added: " It is for all of you that have been with me since those days, everyone that’s joined along the way and is here NOW. I want to say thank you so much (yes YOU!) for being so loving and supportive of me on this musical journey we're on!

I am eternally grateful! Play it loud, live in the moment & try to remember, the time is now. "

Live dates: Tickets available from www.craigdavid.com

NEW ALBUM ‘THE TIME IS NOW’ AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW :

Standard: http://smarturl.it/CDTheTimeIsNowSTD

Deluxe: http://smarturl.it/CDTheTimeIsNowDLX