Christie on his bike for resort

Tony Christie and his orchestra play Wednesday nights at North Pier Theatre from August to October

The crooner is one of an all-star line-up for North Pier’s summer season, set to play every Wednesday evening, starting this week.

“I can’t wait,” the singer, who has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide, said.

“It’s a long time since I’ve played in Blackpool.”

The singer has already performed in North Pier and on the Opera House stage as well as playing charitable gigs in the resort.

He joins Joe Longthorne, Jason Manford and Cannon and Ball for promoter HRH Entertainment’s summer season line-up on the pier.

“It’s difficult to get variety these days,” he said.

“You don’t see those bills anymore. And I just like to work.

“I still get the same buzz from performing, especially with a live band – nothing beats music with a live band – so a summer season suits me well.”

The weekly slots will feature his tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s right up to his most recent works, all accompanied by a live band.

“It’s a good show, I did it in Dublin a few weeks ago and even I was surprised at how well it went down.”

And a tour later this year will bring audiences songs from his upcoming album, The Great Irish Songbook.

Christie spent years touring Europe, where he continued to enjoy strong record sales, and living in Spain.

It was when comedian Peter Kay revived Is This The Way To Amarillo for Comic Relief in 2005, having previously used his version in Phoenix Nights in 2002, that Mr Christie returned to the UK.

He said: “Things took off again after that.

“I was delighted, it meant I could record again.

“I do feel lucky to still be working because this is the hardest business in the world.”

Tony Christie and his orchestra play every Wednesday, from August 5, at 7.30pm, with tickets costing between £10-£21.50.

For tickets see thelittleboxoffice.com/northpiertheatre or call the box office on 01253 623304 or 01253 591222.