FANS of teenage singing sensation Zoe Birkett will soon be able to see their pop idol perform in the North-East.

The 16-year-old, from Darlington, will be performing at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle as part of the Pop Idol nationwide tour.

When the original tour dates were announced, there were no plans for the ten finalists in the ITV talent show to perform in the region.

But with all the other venues selling out within two-and-a-half hours of tickets going on sale, the decision was made to add extra dates to the tour.

The finalists will be in Newcastle on Wednesday, April 3, and the following day.

Zoe, who left Darlington's Carmel College following her TV success, will sing a duet with close friend Gareth Gates at the concert, which will also feature Newcastle train driver Aaron Bailey and the winner of the show, Will Young.

Telewest Arena's managing executive, Jackie Marston, said: "If the success of Pop Idols on TV is anything to go by, we except a phenomenal demand for tickets.

"During Pop Idol, everyone had their favourites. This show promises to keep the audience, whoever their preference, enthralled."

Tickets will be available from 9am today with a limited number on sale for £22.50 and the rest for £25. Call 0870 7078000 for details.

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