SHEFFIELD singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paul Carrack is returning to one of his favourite haunts on Sunday, buoyed by knowing that his York Barbican gig is as good as sold out.

"That's great," he says. "It's a result of going round year after year doing good shows. It's not because we're constantly on the telly, as we're not!" Instead, his popularity comes down to great songs, soulful gigs..."and of course my amazing good looks!" he jokes.

Carrack last played the Barbican in January 2016, only days after the release of his 18th solo album, Soul Shadows, which brought him his highest ever chart entry and regular airplay for the record's singles on BBC Radio 2.

He is now embarking on his biggest tour to date with 25 shows in the UK alone. "The fact is we've actually stepped up a little bit on this tour; we're playing bigger places and in some cities we're playing two nights. That goes to show people want the live experience and we take that very seriously. We want to do a great show every night."

Carrack has added six or seven new songs to his repertoire since last year's travels. "So hopefully there might be a new album later in the year," he says. "I'm not sure it was a good idea to call last year's album 'Soul Shadows' because people think, 'oh, he's made a soul record', but it was certainly soulful and went down really well."

He is touring once more with his regular band members. "It's been an important part of the picture, having the support of these lads, who are all from Sheffield," says Carrack.

"I'm 65 now and I do believe I'm at the top of my game. At the back of my mind, I think about what lies ahead, but I've never been a real shouter, I've never had problems with my vocal cords and there are singers older than me out there still going strong, so you've got to use it or lose it."

Paul Carrack plays York Barbican on Sunday, 7.30pm. Box office for last-minute ticket availability: 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk