From Cruising the Seas to Conquering the Charts: The Beloved Singer Reveals a Brand-New UK Tour and Album for 2026 – “It’s True, I Am Officially Living the Dream!”

 Jane McDonald, the 62-year-old national treasure whose powerhouse vocals and infectious enthusiasm have made her a household name, has sent fans into ecstatic overdrive with an announcement that’s being hailed as the “best news ever.” The Loose Women alum and cruising sensation revealed on Thursday that she’s embarking on a massive new UK arena tour titled Living the Dream, complete with a brand-new album of the same name set for release in spring 2026. “It’s true, I am officially Living the Dream so what better way to celebrate that than with a new album and a new tour,” Jane shared in an Instagram post that exploded with 250,000 likes in hours. From her sold-out cruises to this triumphant return to the stage, Jane’s emotional reveal has reignited the joy she’s brought to audiences for decades, proving her star burns brighter than ever.

The tour, presented by Live Nation’s Cuffe and Taylor, kicks off in August 2026 with 19 dates across the UK, including a stop at Manchester’s AO Arena on September 2 and London’s OVO Arena Wembley on September 5. Pre-orders for the album unlock early ticket access, with general sales starting November 28. Recorded at Nashville’s renowned Blackbird Studios, Living the Dream features nine original tracks penned by Jane alongside reworks of four country classics, blending her signature soulful pop with heartfelt storytelling. “This album is me pouring my heart out—love, loss, laughter, and all the adventures in between,” Jane teased. Fans who pre-order get exclusive merch like signed vinyls and VIP soundcheck passes, turning the release into a must-have event.

Jane’s journey to this milestone has been one of reinvention and resilience. From her breakout on Channel 5’s Cruising with Jane McDonald (axed in 2020 but spawning sold-out fan charters) to her 2022 Strictly Come Dancing stint and Celebrity Gogglebox laughs with bestie Sue Perkins, the Wakefield native has never stopped evolving. Her 2024 maiden cruise charter—sailing from Tilbury to Scandinavian ports with special guests—was a smash hit, and she’s already booked a 2026 repeat. “The sea calls me back every time,” she said in a This Morning appearance, hinting at more oceanic escapades. But the tour and album mark a “full-circle” return to her roots: “Singing in arenas feels like coming home—bigger stages, bigger dreams.”

The announcement has sparked a frenzy of excitement. “Jane McDonald arena tour? I’m booking NOW—best news ever!” tweeted one fan with 10k likes, while another gushed, “From cruises to concerts—this woman’s unstoppable!” Pre-sales crashed Ticketmaster twice, and the hashtag #LivingTheDreamJane has 1.2 million posts, with fans sharing memories of her Loose Women days and Cruising voyages. Co-stars rallied: Ruth Langsford called it “pure joy,” and Sue Perkins joked, “I’ll bring the gin—Jane brings the glory!”

At 62, Jane McDonald embodies unapologetic living. “Life’s too short not to chase what sets your soul on fire,” she posted. With the tour hitting cities like Glasgow, Birmingham, and Cardiff, and the album dropping in March 2026, fans are overjoyed. From TV screens to sold-out arenas, Jane’s “dream” is everyone’s reality—and it’s better than ever.