The rising star of British opera is coming home.

Born and bred in Fleetwood, Alfie Boe is heading back to the Fylde coast for several performances over the next year, after releasing his third album in 18 months.

The 34-year-old former Cardinal Allen R.C High School pupil has high hopes for his latest album, La Passione, a collection of some of his favourite classical songs.

He said: "Obviously I hope the album will be a great success, but I just hope people like it and enjoy it.

"Hopefully it will open a few doors to classical music for people who wouldn't usually listen to that sort of music.

"These are all songs I love to sing, so that should come across in the album.

"I've wanted to do something like this for ages, and when I pitched the idea to the record company they were really up for it."

Alfie's first break came when he was working at the former TVR factory on Bristol Avenue, Bispham, at the age of 17.

"I used to sing opera songs when I was working there," explains Alfie, "and one day when polishing a car, a client heard me and suggested I go for an audition at an opera company in London.

"I decided to go for it, and got accepted. I guess you could say I've never looked back since then."

Now based in London, he has released the albums Onward and Classic FM Presents Alfie Boe in the last year and a half, restricting his opportunities to return to the place he still calls home.

"Unfortunately I don't get back to Fleetwood as much as I would like.

"I've been really busy recently but I do plan to come back and have a break soon."

Classical music clearly runs in the family: Alfie's brother, Michael, is artistic director of North Star Opera.

Alfie, the youngest of nine children, said: "It's always great to perform at the Marine Hall or Grand Theatre, although my brother always turns up and starts heckling me during my performances! I'm sure he doesn't mean it."

Alfie will be performing at the Grand in Blackpool on December 2, and at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood on March 15 next year.

La Passione is out on EMI Classic on November 12.

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