TEN years ago, Craig David was among an adoring crowd of fans who saw singer Terence Trent D'Arby perform at Southampton Guildhall. (22/11/00)

Last night, the roles were reversed for the 19yearold pop superstar, as he took to the stage for the first time in his home city as a major solo attraction.

For the talented teenager, currently one of the most popular chart acts in Britain, the "homecoming" gig had a greater significance than any of the other dates on his current UK tour.

Ahead of the gig yesterday, he told the Daily Echo: "This is going to be the big one. Coming back home is going to be amazing. A lot of my friends will be there.

"I always look at myself as the same Craig David who was dreaming of a record deal and a record in the charts.

"I've always kept my feet on the floor. I'm going to keep representing Southampton and remember where I've come from."

Southampton was the third date of a UK tour for Craig, which has seen him perform for the first time as a headlining artist before crowds of thousands.

Unlike many pop stars, who affect disdain for the attention popularity brings them, Craig seems to be loving every minute of his newfound fame.

Meeting his fans on tour has brought home to Craig just what a teenage idol he has become.

"I've performed live before at things like Power in the Park, but it's amazing when a crowd comes to see just you. Doing this whole tour is amazing . . . going to so many different places I've never been before.

"It's very flattering to see people appreciating my music. Going out and buying the single because you happen to see it on the shelf in front of you is one thing, but to actually come and see me perform is something else."

Craig leapt to fame little more than a year ago as guest vocalist on Southampton's Artful Dodger's hit single ReRewind. Since then, he has had three hit singles of his own, including Walking Away, released this week, and a chart topping solo album, Born To Do It.

He has helped put Southampton firmly on the musical map.

"It's great that people are now seeing the talent that's in Southampton and picking up on it.

"Because Southampton is so far away from London, where a lot of the hype around music is made, we often get overlooked. But with the Artful Dodger and now me doing my thing, it's opened up so many avenues for people in Southampton to shine."

He may display a confidence and maturity beyond his 19 years, but you can still occasionally detect something of the awestruck adolescent about the singer.

"I'm overwhelmed that something so small being written in my bedroom in Southampton can touch somebody in Japan or across the other side of the world."