Essex-born singer Anne-Marie has announced today she will be returning to the county for a homecoming gig at an iconic Westcliff theatre.

To celebrate the release of her new album, the popstar, who grew up in East Tilbury with her mother teaching in Essex, has revealed she will return for a special performance at Cliffs Pavilion next month.

The 32-year-old has reached the UK top 10 with seven singles, has achieved two top three albums and reached more than seven billion global streams.

Speaking exclusively to the Echo, Anne-Marie Rose Nicholson revealed it "feels like prom" to be performing in Southend again: "The last time I played at this venue was in 2019 and since then, I’ve come to watch other people’s shows and now I’m back!"

She added: "People are going to be getting a little taster of the new album before the tour in November."

Earlier this year, Anne-Marie's music video for SAD B!TCH was filmed entirely at Southend's popular seafront attraction Adventure Island.

On the experience, she commented: "Since childhood, it’s been one of my favourite places and on the video I had it all to myself,  which was a dream. It’s always good to be home."

In the video, where Anne-Marie has the theme park all to herself, the star rides popular attractions such as Rage, Archelon, Flying Jumbos and Over The Hill.

Despite her rise to fame, the chart-topping artist still remembers her roots in south Essex and loves to give back to the area she says she will always call home.

"I grew up there and it’ll always be home to me," she told us.

"I am so excited to come back! Thank you so much to all my fellow Essex people for always supporting me."

Anne-Marie will take to the stage at the Station Road venue on Saturday September 23 - with tickets on sale from midday today at crashrecords.co.uk/products/anne-marie-homecoming.

This is a 16+ event.