The Weeknd has announced a UK tour for 2017.

The Weeknd

The Weeknd

The 26-year-old Canadian star - whose real name is Abel Tesfaye - is to head out on an arena tour in promotion of his forthcoming record 'Starboy' in March.

The 'Can Feel My Face' hitmaker will bring his frantic live show to London's The O2 on March 7 and March 8, and will wrap up the small run of shows at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, north England, on March 14.

Fans of the hunky R&B singer will no doubt hear songs from his new album, which will be released on November 25, at the shows.

The record's title track features electronic music legends Daft Punk, which could mean the 'Get Lucky' hitmakers may make a guest appearance on the tour.

The last time The Weeknd played the UK was at Radio 1's Big Weekend back in May.

Abel was due to perform on the UK leg of Rihanna's 'Anti World Tour' in June, but had to pull out citing "unforeseen" changes in his schedule and his forthcoming projects.

A statement issued to BANG Showbiz at the time, read: "Due to some unforeseen changes with upcoming projects, The Weeknd will no longer be joining Rihanna on her upcoming international 'Anti World Tour.'"

Abel previously teased that the record is inspired by everyone from The Smiths through to Prince and has an "aggressive" edge to it.

He said: "The production feels aggressive but still sexy. The Smiths, Bad Brains, Talking Heads, Prince and DeBarge play roles.

"We wrote it all in Los Angeles. I think it'll be the best-sounding album I've ever done. It's hard to label the sound because, when I first came out, nobody would label it R&B. I just want to keep pushing the envelope without it feeling forced."

The Weeknd's March 2017 tour dates are as follows;

March 5, Manchester, Arena

March 7 and March 8 London, The O2

March 10, Glasgow, The SSE Hydro

March 11, Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena

March 13, Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena

March 14, Leeds, First Direct Arena