There’s no stopping Jane McDonald at the moment. If she’s not hopping around the Canary Islands or sampling sushi in Tokyo, she’s penning her autobiography or planning a Nordic cruise (Bobby Davro included, apparently).

Last night, Friday, was Blackpool’s turn to shimmer in her sequined shadow as she kicked off her 2024 With All My Love tour in the splendid Winter Gardens.

And shimmer we did.

With no less than four costume changes, two special guests (including best mate Sue) and supported by her pitch-perfect backing singers, Jane gripped the audience from the first moment she sashayed onto the stage (bang on time, I might add) and rinsed us for every emotion we had.

Jane McDonald performing at the Winter Gardens in BlackpoolJane McDonald performing at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool (Image: Supplied) Jane McDonald performing at the Winter Gardens in BlackpoolJane McDonald performing at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool (Image: Supplied) While Jane’s army of loyal fans were treated to classics such as "You are My World", an electrifying performance of "Summer Night City" and a hugely enjoyable Cher medley to open the second act, a spine-tingling rendition of "Rise Like a Phoenix" lifted the roof off the Opera House and had the crowd jumping to their feet for one of several standing ovations.

Jane McDonald performing at the Winter Gardens in BlackpoolJane McDonald performing at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool (Image: Supplied) But this was not just any old concert. Jane was a natural on stage, and her sharp wit and self-deprecating one-liners were delivered with such skill and comic timing. 

After three songs in, the audience were roaring with laughter about her penchant for a particular brand of vacuum cleaner. It was easy to forget you were there for the music.

Jane McDonald on stageJane McDonald on stage (Image: Supplied) There were sombre moments too as she dedicated songs to departed loved ones and paid tribute to her partner Eddie, who died in 2021 following a battle with lung cancer. Then she quickly lifted our spirits with another cracking punchline and a giggle at her recent discovery of the meaning of "Cake by the Ocean" – die-hard fans will get it.

Jane McDonald has a very special gift in her ability to speak to the nation’s hearts, and it's not hard to see why after this glittering night of sheer joy – she’s a master of her craft, a magnificent vocalist and the queen of entertainment - long may she reign.