IT will be Pop Idol mania all over again on Merseyside when two former national treasures (as they were called) arrive on Merseyside.

Will Young appears at the Liverpool Empire this Friday, October 30.

His first solo tour for four years and already a sell out.

The star has had a string of hits and including I Think I'd Better Leave Right Now and his album 85% Proof recently won rave reviews.

His performance in the hit musical Cabaret was critically acclaimed.

Over at New Brighton Pavilion on November 5, Gareth Gates, the runner up in the Pop Idol competition in 2001, appears in Mad About The Musicals.

Gareth, who has sold five million records across the globe and appeared in Dancing on Ice last year, says this musical 10th Anniversary Tour comes straight from London's Theatre land and Broadway featuring well known classics.

He says: "It is a show that will appeal to absolutely everyone – there has been some amazing music to come out of theatre shows in the last few decades and we will be paying homage to the very best.

"Some shows that I have been lucky enough to appear in will feature like my all-time favourites - Les Miserables and some will see be new songs from Miss Saigon to We Will Rock You."

Tickets to see Will Young at the Liverpool Empire this Friday are from 0844 847 2525.

Tickets for Mad About the Musicals at the Floral Pavilion are from the box office on 0151 666 0000.