Published: Thursday, 11th March, 2010 11:00am

Swinging Watchdog host

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by Harriet Marsh

Nicky Campbell

FORGET Sinatra, Watchdog host Nicky Campbell and ex-Holby City star Mark

Moraghan are bringing swing back to Reading.

The unlikely duo hope tracks from their September 2009 album,

Moonlight's Back In Style, will get under their audience's skin at The

Jazz Café tonight (Thursday).

Radio 5 Live Breakfast Show host Nicky, 49, penned 12 sensational songs

for hospital-drama-heartthrob Mark, 47, after the household names met on

BBC talent show Just the Two of Us.

The dashing pair, who co-wrote a further two numbers, are excited about

strutting their Rat Pack stuff at the Madjeski.

Consumer-rights fighter Nicky promised: "The night is going to swing!"

"I love the Madejski stadium, it's a really special venue.

"Mark and I are great friends and have a great rapport.

"I'll be telling some stories from the whacky world of media, but most importantly we'll be letting the audience hear the magic."

Helping them deliver their brand of 'new swing' will be arranger and

pianist Paul Buck, bassist Mark Howell and drummer Sam Brown.

Mark quipped: "Nicky and I are really excited - we are bringing our best

players to add pace and skill up front!"

"Playing with such professionals is too good an opportunity to miss," Nicky pipes up.

"So we'll be doing some covers, like Little Black Magic and Cole Porter to show them off."

The Scottish presenter of BBC's The Big Questions lists Moonlight's Back in Style and We'll Never Have Manhattan as his favourite album tracks.

A musical dark horse, Nicky took time out from filming to reveal to The Guide that he's been writing professionally under a pseudonym since he was 19.

"I've come out with my secret," the TV theme writer confesses. "To be approached and to have such brilliant reviews has been amazing.

"Tim Rice said my lyrics are annoyingly good. He's the best on the planet, so that's unbelievable!

"I had to lie down in a darkened room when I heard that. I could have done with some smelling salts like Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice."

The self-taught pianist will be busting out his ukulele at the Madjeski, which he describes as "just a little hop" from his South London home.

Café Events Manager Chris Gillett said: "This is a big coup for us.

"People may not associate Nicky and Mark with live music, but one listen

to their album and you'll soon see why we're so excited."

Nicky finds the music so fulfilling that he's working on a second album and moving "onwards and upwards".

"It's such a fulfilling thing for me," Nicky exclaimed. "I've always got music going round my head.

"I love writing, because with love songs especially you can be really honest about your life."

"After a hard day doing heated debates, it's lovely to sit down and write a lovely piece of music,"

"Plus it's quite fun being a pop star."

Tickets are £15. Limited 2-course dining tickets, guaranteeing seating,

are available for £35.

To book call 0118 968 1442 or email info@thejazzcafe.co.uk.