Katherine Jenkins on stage at the Ipswich Regent.

Life’s been tough for the nation’s favourite Welsh lass over the last few weeks – but Katherine Jenkins managed to put her troubles to one side as she wowed a massive crowd at the Regent last night.

The near sell-out crowd at the theatre loved every minute of her performance.

It was, of course, her second visit to the town in a few months – after she delighted a huge crowd in Christchurch Park last summer.

For this tour – and she is back at the Regent tonight – she is supported by American singer-songwriter Nathan Pacheco who joined her on stage for a few numbers as well as singing himself.

Their duet of Tonight, from West Side Story, at the start of the second half was truly magical.

And you didn’t need to have Welsh blood coursing through your veins to feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as she sang Land of My Fathers unaccompanied – a party trick of hers that I remembered from the summer.

But it felt even better in the more intimate environment of a theatre!

Miss Jenkins may have an operatic background, but she has well and truly “crossed over” and now has a great popular repertoire alongside some well-known classical pieces.

She did not ignore her personal problems (she recently spit from fiance Gethin Jones), telling the audience that all her songs seemed to be about love – or heartbreak! But she thanked everyone for their support and while there was much emotion in her voice, she remained composed and gave everyone a fantastic night.

One last word for the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Anthony Inglis who accompanied her. They were great – adding to the atmosphere while never overshadowing the star.

Their party piece of the overture from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel was a real highlight!