THERE was murder on the dance floor this week when Warrington welcomed the long-awaited arrival of the new millennium queen of pop chic, Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Sophie shone like a beacon of cool sophistication on Tuesday evening, as she wowed fans with irresistible versions of Take Me Home and Groovejet.

The Parr Hall was packed to the rafters as young and old flocked to the town's premier concert venue to dance with one of the biggest pop acts to visit Warrington in years.

Half an hour in, Sophie cunningly unleashed her hit singles, from her debut Read My Lips album, delighting a predominantly teenage audience, and satisfying the male contingent, who voiced wholehearted approval towards the UK's most sought-after female solo act.

Previously fronting the little-known indie band theaudience, Sophie's pouting reputation even saw her touted for the role of simmering Bond girl in the new 007 blockbuster.

And at Tuesday's photo call, Sophie flitted around the Parr Hall, modelling the latest Gucci eyewear designs (sunglasses to us mere peasant folk), kindly donated by Boots, on Bridge Street - the perfect accessories to embellish her sophisticated pop diva image.

Speaking to the Guardian on Tuesday, Sophie said: "I'm really looking forward to the concert. Every night the tour has gone from strength to strength, and the Parr Hall performance promises to be the best yet.

"The Parr Hall is a beautiful venue, and I think it will be a really intimate show. I'm sure there will be a terrific atmosphere.

"Essentially, it's the same Sophie Ellis Bextor show, but there could be a few treats in store, with the possibility of new material for fans to enjoy.

"I'm releasing a double A-side single on June 10, called Move this Mountain and Get Over You, so watch out for that."