JAMES Arthur has a new date for his Scarborough Open Air Theatre show after lightning strikes on the North Yorkshire coast put paid to last Thursday's show.

Promoters Cuffe and Taylor have been quick to rearrange the 30-year-old Middlesbrough soul singer and songwriter's outdoor concert for Sunday, August 12. All tickets sold for the original night remain valid but any ticket holder now unable to attend is advised to contact their point of purchase.

Director Peter Taylor said: “We've worked really hard to be able to reschedule the date and we're delighted to be able to announce James will return to Scarborough Open Air Theatre on August 12.

"It was really disappointing to have to cancel on Thursday night, but we had no choice, given the lightning strikes and potential danger to all at the arena. We do not take these decisions lightly, but the safety of audience members, staff and artists always comes first.

"We want to thank everyone who came on Thursday night and braved the most atrocious weather for their understanding. We hope to see you here on August 12."

Arthur, winner of The X Factor in 2012, returned to the pinnacle in 2016 with his second album after two years out of the limelight, reaching number one for three weeks with the single Say You Won't Let Go, followed by Back To The Edge topping the album charts.

Arthur had became an overnight star when he won the ITV talent show. His 2012 debut single, Impossible, sold more than three million copies and charted at number one in 50 countries. He was nominated for a Brit Award and his self-titled debut album, featuring the single You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You and collaborations with Naughty Boy and Emeli Sandé, was certified gold in Britain and sold 400,000 copies worldwide.

After his hiatus, Arthur returned with Back From The Edge and a string of sold-out live shows. Marked by a mature, confessional quality, to complement the raw passion of his singing, the album paraded such songs as Sermon, featuring rapper Shotty Horroh, Safe Inside and Trainwreck. Two more Brit Award nominations came his way in 2017, when he capped his triumphant comeback by embarking on his first ever British arena tour.

Taylor says: "James is one of the most in-demand singer/songwriters in the UK today. His live shows are fantastic, full of emotion, great music and, of course, feature one of British music’s most unmistakable and unique voices. This is going to be some night."

Scarborough Open Air Theatre's summer season has four shows still to come: Texas on August 11; James Arthur, August 12; Britney Spears (sold out), August 17, and James, August 18.

Tickets for all but Britney are on sale at scarboroughopenairtheatre.com, in person from the Scarborough Open Air Theatre box office, in Burniston Road, or the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau in Scarborough Town Hall, or on 01723 818111 and 01723 383636.