New Kids On The Block are to embark on an eight-date UK arena tour in the New Year.

The reformed boyband will kick off the tour at Manchester's MEN Arena on January 16, before playing dates in Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Sheffield, Newcastle and Cardiff.

Joey McIntyre insisted the group's performances will be just as steamy as they were in their '90s heyday, saying: "We're still young, we're still hot.

"Our fans are between 25 and 35 now because they were really young then. They're still very attractive - and very legal. So it's going to be a girls' night out. I know my wife's going to be there every step of the way, but it's still going to be fun."

The group's comeback single, 'Summertime', entered the UK singles chart on Sunday. Yesterday they released The Block, their first album of new material in 14 years.

New Kids On The Block sold more than 80 million records in the late 80s and early 90s, scoring No.1 singles with 'You Got It (The Right Stuff)' and 'Hangin' Tough'.