ONE of most successful singers ever to come out of the town has announced plans to make a comeback.

Jacqui Abbott, from St Helens, was female vocalist for the Beautiful South from 1994 to 2000, when the band released a series of critically-acclaimed records that catapulted her to fame.

Her vocals on hits such as Rotterdam, Perfect 10, and Don’t Marry Her saw the band enjoy arguably its most successful period.

But she stepped away from the musical spotlight in 2000 and little has been heard of her since then.

Her considerable talent was discovered by Paul Heaton, the band’s other lead singer in the mid-nineties.

Now Jacqui is returning to music, reuniting with Heaton for the album. ‘What Have We Become’, to be released in May.

They have also announced a string of UK dates where they will perform songs from the new album, alongside tracks from The Beautiful South and The Housemartins.

Jacqui said: “It’s just great to be singing again after such a long time, especially with Paul.”