“THERE’S nothing better than coming down the M3 and knowing that you’re home.”

That was the emotional message from R’n’B superstar Craig David when he lit up Southampton Guildhall with his spectacular homecoming gig last night.

The 32-year-old former Bellemoor School pupil, who grew up on the Holyrood estate and now lives in Miami, received a hero’s welcome from adoring fans as he bounded onto the stage in a pristine white top and jeans.

The sell-out gig was only his fourth UK date on his 2013 world tour, with other concerts in Europe, Indonesia and Australia.

The world-renowned artist, who has sold 13 million records and scored two UK number one singles, launched his set with the explosive What’s Your Flava? and told the crowd: “There’s nothing better than coming down the M3 and knowing you are home.

“It doesn’t matter where I’ve been or where I live, down The Avenue and seeing the Civic Centre, it makes me feel privileged and thankful for the area I grew up in.

“Thank you very much for supporting me and keeping my feet on the ground.”

Craig used the gig as a testing ground for new tune Less Is More, from latest album Follow My Intuition, but the crowd’s response was lukewarm compared with the reception they gave his signature numbers Seven Days and Re-rewind.

He reminisced about favourite haunts in the city, including the West Indian Club in St Mary’s.

Halfway through the gig he showed his versatility when a deck was wheeled out and he mixed a selection of 1990s and early 2000s classics, including TLC’s No Scrubs.

Finally he returned for his encore sporting a Saints shirt before finishing on crowd favourite Fill Me In.

Overall it seems Craig is still “born to do it”, but rewinding to his bygone days is when he is most at home.