JOE Longthorne returns to the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton later this week as part of a new tour to promote his autobiography.

Looking forward to this Friday's show, which is part of the 150-date Book Tour, the acclaimed singer and impressionist told the Globe: "I was here for one of the last shows in the old Floral Pavilion before it was demolished.

"I did a show not long after the theatre re-opened and it's a really nice place which seems to have retained the warmth of the original building. I can't wait to go back this week."

The 55-year-old, who mixes songs with impressions of showbusiness legends like Dame Shirley Bassey and others, continued: "The show's on for an hour and a half, but I never really know what I'm going to do in the show until I get there.

"We do tours like this all the time, and I've recently been in Las Vegas. It's just great to get on stage and do something which people enjoy."

Written by Chris Berry, Joe Longthorne - The Official Autobiography charts the Hull-born entertainer's showbusiness success and 17-year battle with Lymphoma, for which he had a bone marrow transplant.

Born into a showbusiness family, Joe's parents were travellers and he entered his first talent show aged six. His big break came in 1981 as a contestant on London Weekend Television talent show 'Search For A Star'.

His success on the show led to appearances at the London Palladium. A year later he received the Variety Club's award for 'most promising artiste'.

He went on to record multi-million selling albums and had his own television series in the late 1980s.

He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1989 and later had a bone marrow transplant.

He returned to the stage in 2006 with a sell-out performance at the London Palladium. He also received the Variety Club's Lifetime Achievement Award.

A year later, he went on a UK tour and recorded his latest album with Tim A. Duncan in the Berlin Studios in Blackpool. The platinum-award winning album was their third collaboration.

Looking forward to the book's release, Joe said: "I have been wanting to write this book for so long and I think the people who have followed me for years will really enjoy it. Chris Berry has done a great job."

In addition to the launch of his autobiography and in recognition of his services to entertainment, Joe received the Variety Club's highest accolade The Silver Heart Award, at a ceremony in London on March 19.

Friday's show at the Floral Pavilion starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are from 666 0000. The Globe has a copy of the book to give away. For a chance of winning, simply answer this question: Which award did Joe receive earlier this month?

Send the answer, with your contact details, to: Joe Longthorne, Wirral Globe, Haymarket Court, Hinson Street, Birkenhead CH41 5BX. The entry deadline is 5pm on Tuesday, April 6.