Mortimer readies solo comeback show

Rex Features

Tony Mortimer has admitted that he is "nervous but excited" about his upcoming solo shows.

The former East 17 singer will perform in London on May 28, his first live set since the group briefly reunited as a four piece three years ago.

"It's a big deal for me as I've only performed once in the past ten years. We've been rehearsing a lot for it and I'm still nervous but excited to get back out there," he told DS.

"I'm going to be singing our classic songs like 'House Of Love', 'Thunder' and 'Around The World', because I think that is what my fans will want to hear."

The star added that although East 17's comeback ended after a bitter bust-up, the experience of performing live had encouraged him to continue on his own.

"It's really exciting to get back out on the road. I don't really want to stop gigging now. Although the East 17 comeback didn't work out, the outcome was positive as it really got me back in the mood for going out and performing again."

All profits from the show, which is held at the Monto Water Rats this Thursday, will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Mortimer enjoyed sixteen Top 40 singles as part of East 17 before leaving in 1997. He won the Ivor Novello award for songwriter of the year for the group's 1994 Christmas number one 'Stay Another Day'.

> Click here for Whatever happened to... East 17?