SINGING sensation Marti Pellow returns to The Mayflower as Billy Flynn in the national tour of the smash hit musical Chicago next week.

The former Wet Wet Wet frontman first played the role to great acclaim in the West End, subsequently repeating his performance in New York and at The Mayflower, playing to sellout houses in 2004.

He said: “Chicago was my first musical and because of that it’s always been special to me.

“Part of the show’s attraction for me is its high-energy.

You can’t help but get caught up in it.

“I’ve played Billy Flynn both in the West End and on Broadway and so he’s like an old friend. Everyone does him differently. He’s a cad but a loveable rogue all the same.

“It’s been great to take Chicago around the country this time around. Not everyone can afford to pay to go to the West End.

“I love being on the road.

It gives me a buzz performing somewhere new.”

Marti, as lawyer Billy Flynn, appears alongside ex-Eastenders actress Emma Barton in the role of Roxie.

Murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago Chicago runs from Tuesday until February 27.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk