POP princess Zoe Birkett is to hit the road again on a new Pop Idol tour.

Darlington's singing sensation will support competition winner Will Young and runner-up Gareth Gates on a nationwide tour, it was announced yesterday.

Zoe will give 14 performances in October at venues across the UK, including Newcastle's Telewest Arena on October 25.

News of the tour, which will start at London's Dockland Arena, came as 16-year-old Zoe made a surprise visit to London's Covent Garden piazza with Gareth and Will and sang a few songs.

Zoe's mother, Tracey, said: "Zoe thinks it's brilliant that she'll be working with the guys again.

"She's really excited and says it'll be great touring with two of the best-looking guys in the UK.

She's looking forward to getting out there and seeing the fans."

Yesterday Zoe, Gareth and Will delighted hundreds of fans with their impromptu performance of selection of songs from their chart-topping The Big Band Album.

Tickets for the tour, known as Will & Gareth, are on sale now at £25.