'There's something in the water in the North West': Beverley Knight on why she loves Manchester, her exciting new projects and 'living life to the fullest'

Beverley Knight has said she's excited to return to Manchester for a special performance this January as part of The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals.

The West End star, who recently stopped off in Manchester on tour, says our city has 'the most receptive crowds anywhere in the country.' Taking place at the AO Arena and hosted by Salford comedian Jason Manford, the event celebrates the biggest West End and touring musicals under one roof.

Fans can even get free tickets for the show, which will later be broadcast on BBC and BBC Radio 2. Expect performances from hit shows including Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Grease, plus many more to be announced. Meanwhile Beverley will be performing one of her classic numbers and helping surprise some National Lottery heroes on the night.

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The Queen of British Soul, who has starred in the likes of The Bodyguard, Cats and Sister Act, took part in last year's event, also at the AO Arena. She is delighted to be returning, as she told the Manchester Evening News of the event: "It’s so great. I remember the atmosphere the first time around.

"For many of those West End and regional performers, it’s the first time they’ve ever been on an arena stage, so the excitement for me was watching their excitement. Of course I was excited for myself too - it’s wonderful to present a show on such a big scale in front of an arena audience."

She added that, as someone who has performed in arenas for decades, it was 'much more fun and fulfilling' to see the 'palpable excitement' from the performers.