IT'S hard to believe that Jane McDonald was painfully shy as a child. The forthright TV star and singer says that music became her companion.

Talking to the Daily Echo ahead of her show at Bournemouth Pavilion next month, she said she has always sought solace in music.

"As a child I was learning piano at seven years old. I loved music and it was a wonderful companion for me," she said.

"I reached grade seven at the London College of Music before changing to singing lessons where I trained in opera.

"My only problem was stage fright, nerves and being painfully shy. Hard to believe when you see me now!".

Following her hit TV series ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald’, the household favourite is now extending her ‘Making Memories’ tour to include 14 additional dates this year.

One of the extra dates includes a visit to Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday, June 4.

Exalted as her best show yet, Jane performs favourites of self-penned songs such as The Hand That Leads Me to medleys of Cilla’s hits, a nod to her role as Grizabella in Cats and everyone’s favourite disco hits from Boogie Wonderland to Let’s Groove and, of course, her signature hit ‘Dizzy’.

Jane adds: “I knew Making Memories was special when I took it on the road last year with my fabulous band, but to be extending it to 14 more dates is just so overwhelming. I’m so thrilled with this show and every night feels fresh and my fans make me feel blessed”.

Jane first rose to fame in 1998 after her appearance on BBC’s The Cruise and has since gone on to present daytime shows from 10 years on Loose Women to BBC’s Star for a Night and ITV’s Star Treatment.

Jane’s albums have reached silver, gold and platinum status. She took part in ITV’s ‘Sugar Free Farm’ and most recently her 4-part series ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald on Ch.5’ saw her take to the waters again, featuring an ocean-bound travelogue. The Cruise Companies featured on her show experienced websites crashing and sell-out bookings through to 2018. Next year, the TV star will be marking her 20th anniversary in the world or showbiz. To book tickets call pavilion box office on 01202 055555