JANE McDonald, the Wakefield girl who shot to fame when she appeared on BBC1's hugely popular The Cruise, embarks on a major UK solo tour this autumn with a new five-piece band.

And you can see her next Tuesday, at The Anvil in Basingstoke.

No stranger to live work, the bubbly singer became a household name in 1997 when she was spotted by the BBC as it made a documentary on-board the cruise ship where she was performing. By the time the series finished, it was airing to an audience of more than 12 million viewers.

Her debut album Jane McDonald shot straight to No 1 when it was released in 1998. Not only did it outsell its nearest rival by four-to-one, it also gained her an entry into the Guinness Book Of Records as the first artist to hit the top spot of the album charts without a prior release. Remaining at No 1 for three weeks, the CD soon went on to achieve platinum status.

The following year saw Jane hosting her own TV show Star For A Night, attracting eight million viewers every Saturday night.

Since then, Jane (pictured) has played Las Vegas' prestigious MGM Grand and been awarded the key to Las Vegas, performed on the West End stage in Don Black's Romeo and Juliet and has recently even been seen jumping from a plane for charity in Drop the Celebrity.

Tickets are priced at £17.50 and £20. Call The Anvil box office on 01256 844244 or log on to www.theanvil.org.uk

The Basingstoke Extra has three pairs of tickets to give away to see Jane in concert at The Anvil.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: Which BBC1 television programme launched Jane's career?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and daytime telephone number, to joanne.mace@basingstokegazette.co.uk or send your entry on a postcard, or the back of a sealed envelope, to Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YD to arrive by first post on Monday, October 20. Winners will be contacted by telephone.