It's been 10 short years since Lemar Obika shed his surname and made a mark on the BBC talent search show, Fame Academy. David Sneddon (exactly) may have gone on to win the contest but, from the off, it was Lemar's smooth soul voice which stood head, shoulders and cornrows above the rest.

Away from the glare of expectation which hampered David Sneddon, Lemar prospered despite have placed third. His 2003 debut album, Dedicated, turned platinum and reached No 16, bettered by both Time to Grow (2004) and 2006's The Truth About Love which peaked at No 3. Lemar has also clocked up eight top ten singles including his debut single, Dance (With U), which reached No 2. After touring his 2010 compilation album, The Hits, another Top 20 record, Lemar has been writing and recording his fifth studio album, Invincible.

Lemar kicks off his December 2012 tour in Bournemouth on the 9th, followed by dates in Ipswich, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, before the final gig announced so far at IndigO2 at The O2 in London on 15th December.

We will have tickets available from 9am on Friday 5th October, priced from around £22. Lemar's latest album, Invincible, is released on Monday 8th October. The lead single of the same name is available now.