IT'S been four years since Katherine Jenkins last toured the UK, but there was no big fanfare or introduction to herald her arrival on stage at the BIC last night.

Following a 20-minute support act by up and coming talent AJ Brown, and an opening instrumental number by the brilliant London Concert Orchestra, Jenkins simply glided into view, like a Disney princess, in a showstopping scarlet gown.

Her easy rapport with the effusive conductor Antony Inglis set the tone for the evening – even rushing to her aid after she had a wardrobe malfunction just a few minutes into the show.

Many of the songs she said had been chosen because they had an emotional connection for her including the poignant Jealous of the Angels which she dedicated to her father who died when she was just 15.

She also shared a lilting lullaby/prayer she had written for her young son Xander.

There is an effortless purity about her voice which is wholesome and surprisingly powerful.

Before the interval Jenkins encouraged the audience to write down some "cheeky questions" which she answered at the start of the second half.

The orchestra had plenty of opportunities to perform some instrumental classics including pieces from Swan Lake, allowing Jenkins to change into an array of glamorous gowns.

Highlights of the second act included a mesmerising L'Amore Sei Tu (I Will Always Love You) and Never Enough from The Greatest Showman which apparently she sings to her young daughter a bedtime "but at a much lower volume".

And there was even some audience participation at the end as she closed the show with the Queen classic, We Are The Champions, which had everyone on their feet for a standing ovation.

After this performance, it's easy to see why Katherine Jenkins is still regarded as one of Britain's national treasures.