SINGER-songwriter Gordon Haskell is on his way back to Dorset this weekend for the start of his new UK tour.

It’s 16 years since he claimed a famous victory for the underdog, notching up a hit single from nowhere with How Wonderful You Are which became Radio 2’s most-requested record of all time.

Now in his 70th year, he brings his jazz/blues-influenced songbook back to theatre audiences having enjoyed eight years in the Greek sunshine.

Gordon will be joined by BBC1 introducing-supported and Radio Two-played musical collective Hannah’s Yard.

Described as ‘Norah Jones meets Fairground Attraction’ featuring voice of acclaimed 20 year old singer Hannah Layton Turner.

Gordon was only kept from the top spot in Christmas 2001 by Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman. But the music business proved to be too much business and not enough music for Gordon.

In 2008 he left his Dorset home for the Greek island idyll of Skopelos, best known as the location for the film version of Mamma Mia.

Many thought he had retired, but he still found time to tour Poland annually and he continued writing songs.

In 2010 he made a new album, One Day Soon, in which he shared his view of the world from his hillside home and reclaimed his Greek heritage, acknowledging his professor father’s surname Hionides.

This weekend Gordon will play at the Tivoli on April 2.

Alongside original songs from both artists, expect to hear an eclectic selection of covers – from Randy Newman to James Taylor, Sam Smith to Carole King. Musicians from Hannah’s Yard will accompany Gordon for his headline-set completing a warm and intimate evening of timeless music from artists with some 50 years between them.