Chart-topping X Factor winner Matt Cardle is getting intimate for his two gigs in Kent and fans could even get to help shape his next album.

My tour’s called Intimate and Live...

That’s because I’ve deliberately chosen smaller venues to try out my new material. I wanted to feel the crowd’s reaction. It’s a full band show but we’ll also be doing some acoustic stuff.

The audiences aren’t guinea pigs...

But it’s true I am testing stuff out on them. Basically they are able to help decide the new material before it goes on the album.

It’s great to be back on the road...

To be able to play the songs live is brilliant. And then once this is done and the album is complete, we will take it out on tour next year.

Previously my albums have been about relationships...

Some of that period of my life, personally in 2013 and 2014, I was in a bit of a dark place. I needed to go away to the Priory to sort myself out. And I’ve done that now.

This music isn’t dark at all...

This is a very uplifting album. It’s very positive. I hope everyone likes it.

My fans have been brilliant...

They have been incredible right since the outset of my career. They’re so good.

I want to do more acting...

I will definitely do more. It is something that I fell in love with. And getting to act alongside Beverley Knight was amazing. She’s brilliant.

I still get nervous...

I get nervous every time I go out on stage! The band laugh at how bad I get.

MEET MATT

He was the slightly shy builder and decorator hiding under his cap who went on to win the nation’s hearts in the most watched ever series of The X Factor.

Now a Brit Award nominee, Matt Cardle has since sold more than two million records in the UK and seen all three of his albums reach the top 10. He’s also worked with some of the top names in the business, had a top 10 hit with Melanie C and last year won Best West End Debut for his performance alongside Beverley Knight in the show Memphis.

After openly admitting he had to go into rehab, Matt’s back with fresh new material and will be testing it out on audiences in Kent in two low key concerts.

THE DETAILS

Matt Cardle – Intimate and Live will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on Tuesday, July 5 at 7.30pm. For tickets are £25 call 01227 787787 or visit marlowetheatre.com.

The show will also be at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre on Tuesday, July 19 at 7.30pm.
To book tickets at £24 visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.