IT'S BEEN two years since Craig David played to a home crowd.

Now the Southampton singing sensation is on his way back - with a gig at the Bournemouth International Centre.

As part of his first full tour for nearly two years, the Southampton chart-topper has announced a date at the BIC on Sunday, October 5 - the last night of a 13-date tour which starts at Wolverhampton Civic Centre on September 18.

This will be the second time Craig has visited the BIC, having played two nights there on his UK tour two years ago. Fans in the south have been eagerly awaiting the return of the R'n'B star, recently at number two in the singles charts with Rise and Fall, his collaboration with rock legend Sting.

Following the success of his first album, Born To Do It, and its clutch of hit singles, Craig spent 18 months on an exhaustive but rewarding promotional trail of the USA.

Since returning, he has released a second album, Slicker Than Your Average, and more hit singles, including What's Your Flava.

Interviewed by the Daily Echo recently, Craig, who was brought up on Southampton's Holyrood estate, said he missed being able to visit his home city more often.

"I'd love to be incognito for a second so people didn't recognise me to allow me to just appreciate what I loved about Southampton prior to getting successful."

You can see Craig David at the BIC on October 5. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50. Box office: 01202 456456.