PETER Andre has spoken of his fondness for Somerset ahead of his performance at Butlin’s in Minehead next month.

The British and Australian pop star has previously played the venue – although he was rushed into Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton to undergo a kidney stone operation before his 2010 show.

But every cloud has a silver lining and after befriending the Taunton surgeon who carried out the procedure – Dr Ruaraidh ‘Ru’ MacDonagh – the singer is now romantically involved with his medical student daughter Emily, 23.

Peter said: “I’m hoping after last time I played at Butlin’s in Minehead that this time it will just run smoothly.

“I love it down there. There is something beautiful about Somerset – it is a really peaceful place. That’s where it all began with Emily and at least people know we have known each other for a couple of years, since I met Ru.

“The reception was really warm in March when people spotted me having a coffee in Taunton. I think we will be in Somerset for a few days around the show, which is great because I will be able to go and see Ru.”

Peter will be performing songs from his new album Angels and Demons – to be released on October 29 – on the 31-date tour which includes Butlin’s on November 17.

He said: “I will be playing some big arenas but I love performing at the slightly smaller venues like Butlin’s because it’s great to get close to my fans.

“I don’t just want it to be about song and dance, I want it to be a complete experience. I’ve learned a bit about magic recently, so there will be some tricks on stage.

“We called the tour Up Close and Personal for a reason. I’m very good at disguises, so I’ll just say that I could be sitting next to any one of the audience members on the night.

“Mysterious Girl is a song I will perform forever and there will be other songs from the past that we drop hints of, but it will be more about the album, so anyone coming along should buy it so you can sing along on the night!

“I would like to thank my fans in Somerset for always welcoming me.”

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  • Peter will appear on Million Pound Drop on Channel 4 on Saturday at 8pm to raise money for Dr Ru MacDonagh’s charity HIPZ (Health Improvement Project Zanzibar), for which he has already visited Africa to support.