DIANA Vickers has announced two intimate dates in the New Year as she prepares to release her second album.

The as-yet-untitled album will be a follow-up to her debut offering Songs From the Tainted Cherry Tree, which topped the album charts in 2010.

Fans can get a taste of the new direction the Huncoat singer has taken with a free download one of the tracks Music To Make Boys Cry, available to those who sign up for Diana’s newsletter on her website www.dianavickersmusic.com

Diana shot to fame via The X Factor when she reached the last four before going on to have a number one single and album and pick up a best newcomer in London’s West End for her performance in the Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

This year she parted company with her record label and has made inroads into the fashion world, designing a range of clothing for the online retailer very.co.uk But 2012 will see the former Westhome School pupil returning to the live music scene.

She will play Manchester’s Ruby Lounge on Wednesday, February 8 and Cargo in London the following night. For tickets visit www.gigsandtours.com or call 0844 811 0051.