ST HELENS’ own Jacqui Abbott will be taking on a series of autumnal shows with singing partner Paul Heaton across the UK.

The pair - who performed at Saints stadium last month, found fame as the singers of Beautiful South with hits like Rotterdam and more.

Abbott joined the band after the initial female vocalist Briana Corrigan had just left the band, and in a matter of months, Jacqui went from working at a fruit and veg market in Church Square to recording an album and playing live to thousands of fans.

Since signing on as a full-time member of the Beautiful South in 1994, Jacqui went on to release a number of hit records with the band, including household classics such as ‘Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)’, ‘Don’t Marry Her’ and ‘Perfect 10’.

 

St Helens Star: Heaton Heaton

Yet after a successful six-year stint, the mum-of-two decided to quit music entirely in 2000, in order to raise her young family.

As her youngest son was diagnosed with autism, the pressures of touring contradicted her ideas of being a mum and while the decision was difficult, Jacqui said she felt it was the “right thing to do”.

It was not until 2010 that the singer would have a “second chance”, as Paul contacted her on Facebook to see if she would like to collaborate again.

Snatching at the opportunity, her return to the music industry marked the start of a triumphant second chapter for the pair, charting four UK Top 5 albums and a fifth – ‘N.K. Pop’ will be release on October 7.

They will be joined by very special guest Billy Bragg at all shows.

Dates include London The O2 Arena, Manchester AO Arena and Sheffield Utilita Arena. Tickets for Paul & Jacqui’s tour dates will remain at £30 and will be available at 9.30am on Thursday, September 1 from http://gigst.rs/PHJA22.

The full list of shows is:

  • NOVEMBER 26 SWANSEA Arena
  • NOVEMBER 27 LLANDUDNO Cymru Arena
  • NOVEMBER 28 BLACKPOOL Opera House
  • DECEMBER 1 BRIDLINGTON Spa
  • DECEMBER 2 GLASGOW OVO Hydro
  • DECEMBER 3 STOCKTON Globe
  • DECEMBER 5 PORTSMOUTH Guildhall
  • DECEMBER 6 NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena
  • DECEMBER 8 BIRMINGHAM Resorts World Arena
  • DECEMBER 9 SHEFFIELD Utilita Arena
  • DECEMBER 10 MANCHESTER AO Arena 17 LONDON The O2