Barry Manilow is to stage his first shows in London since officially coming out as gay.

The singer, who kept his sexuality hidden for many years for fear of “disappointing” his fans, has announced three UK dates for later this year.

Tickets go on sale on Friday May 12 for the concerts at London’s O2 Arena in September, following the recent release of his latest album This Is My Town: Songs of New York.

Earlier this year the singer, who was born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York,  revealed that he married his manager and long-term partner Gary Keif at a private ceremony in 2014.

This week Manilow was honoured as an Icon by peforming rights organisation BMI it the 65th annual pop awards in Los Angeles.

Speaking on the night, he said: “I’m so honoured to receive this award. Even though I love producing, arranging and performing, my heart is in composing music - and you guys know what I’m talking about.”