GARY Barlow has announced his first solo tour for 13 years - and he's opening in Bournemouth.

The BIC is the venue for the first date on the 16-date tour, which follows his two solo shows at the Royal Albert Hall in December.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday morning via the BIC's website and phone lines - but not in person - and at ticketmaster.co.uk and gigsandtours.com.

The Take That star and X-Factor judge will be performing songs spanning the whole of his twenty year career.

Gary said: "I'm really excited about these dates. Playing live is my favourite thing and I haven't played a solo show for a over year now.

"Last year playing two London shows was brilliant, we all had such a good time, so I thought right, let's get out and see the rest of the country!"

The shows were briefly leaked on the internet this afternoon ahead of the 7pm announcement.

There has been no word, though, on whether any of his fellow Taker-Thatters might join him for any of the dates - special guests for his 2011 shows were Jason Donovan, Lulu and Olly Murs. 

The set list then included a string of the Ivor Novello-winning hits he's written for Take That alongside some big-band numbers and solo hits ranging from Open Road to Forever Love. 

Gary was recently awarded an OBE for his contribution to British music.