POP star and TV personality Peter Andre is embarking on a celebratory tour that comes to Southampton in the New Year.

Marking 25 years since the Mysterious Girl singer burst onto the Australian music scene the show is at O2 Guildhall on February 23.

He made his breakthrough Down Under with second single Gimme Little Sign which peaked at number three in the Australian charts and after this released his second studio album, Natural, in the UK which reached Number One in the album charts. It included the infamous Mysterious Girl with its iconic video of the topless star bearing his toned six-pack under a waterfall. It shot to Number Two in the UK singles charts and catapulted him to international success. It later hit the top spot when it was re-released by public demand in 2004 after he appeared on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

Peter’s music career peaked during the 90s when he became the sixth highest selling artist in the UK. He had several Number One hit singles, two Number One albums and toured all over the world collecting a multitude of national and international accolades along the way.

A diverse performer, Peter's 12 albums all had a unique twist; 2014 saw the singer songwriter release a brand new sound with the debut of his swing album Big Night followed in 2015 with Come Fly With Me.

Peter told the Echo:“This tour has been a long time in the making and I can’t wait to get back out on stage in front of the fans in Southampton that have supported me over the last 25 years. I’m blessed to have had such a great career in entertainment for that time – it is something really special, and this tour will be a celebration of everything I have worked for.

He added: "I'm so lucky. It's 25 years ago that I first toured- I was the opening act for Madonna at stadiums across Australia. You usually start small and then go big but I went the opposite way!

"It does feel like 25 years but I'm now at a point in my life where I feel so relaxed about my work. At first you just want to be number 1 and you are chasing everything and don't enjoy it as much but I'm 45 now and feel fantastic - better than ever!"

COMPETITION TO MEET PETER ANDRE

YOU and a friend could meet Peter Andre and watch him perform when he comes to Southampton on February 23.

We have one pair of tickets with a meet-and-greet to give to one lucky winner.

Simply answer the following question: What was Peter Andre's first hit in the UK?

Email your answer with your name, address and telephone number to: hilary.porter@dailyecho.co.uk

Answers to reach us by Friday December 14.

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.uk