When T'pau star Carol Decker performs in Coventry next week she will recognise some people in the sea of faces as her family live nearby and will be coming along to watch.

The former chart-topper will appear at SkyDome-based live entertainment bar Jumpin Jaks on Tuesday.

And Decker, who recorded 'China in Your Hand', one of the smash hits of the 1980s, has revealed that the date will be a poignant one for her.

Originally from Liverpool, her father's work brought the family to Nuneaton and much of her socialising was done in Coventry.

She said:

"I used to go out in the city when I lived in Nuneaton, but it must be totally different now.

"We used to frequent student pubs around the cathedral. I haven't been to the SkyDome before, I have heard a lot about it though and it will be great to sing there.

"Although I appear all over the country I am really looking forward to performing at Jumpin Jaks because of my connection with the city - I hope there is a good crowd and a great atmosphere.

"I've got a lot of family still in Nuneaton. My mum, my brother and his family are still there and I expect my brother will come along to watch me perform."

A testament to the quality of T'pau's tracks is that as well as achieving a consecutive five-week stint in the number one slot, Decker features on nearly 200 different compilation albums.

Along with hearing some of the most listened to tracks performed live by their original artist, Jaks party-goers may also be watching a future star of the big screen.

Decker has appeared on several TV shows and has now been offered parts in films.

She said:

"I have been really busy in the last few years. I released an album in 1998, called 'Red', and then embarked on a 56 date tour of Europe which ended in Madrid last April.

"I have already been in a couple of British movies. I had a part in the first ever interactive film called 'Running Time' which was written by the same guy who wrote 'The Full Monty'.

"People will also be able to see me in a black comedy with Julian Clary which is very funny.

"My schedule is hectic though and I have a daughter, Scarlet, who is nearly three and being a mum takes up a lot of time."

"At the moment I am just looking forward to coming back to Coventry and performing there for the first time - hopefully we can all get Jaks jumpin on that night!"

Tickets for the Carol Decker show at Jumpin Jaks are priced at £4 and can be purchased from the box office at the venue on 08700 353637 using all major credit cards.

SEE [13 MAR 01] T'PAU CLASSICS COME TO COVENTRY