Michael Bublé has admitted he didn’t think we would ever return to recording or performing after his son was diagnosed with liver cancer. 

The Canadian singer took time out of the limelight in 2016, pulling out of all work commitments after learning his then-three-year-old son Noah had the disease. 

However, after Noah’s successful treatment, Michael has announced his return to music properly, following a headlining slot at this summer’s British Summer Time Festival. 

Ahead of the release of his new album, entitled ‘❤️’, he said in a statement: “I didn’t anticipate returning to recording or performing and I was fine with that.

“My entire world view has changed completely these last few years. I wanted to spend all my time with my wife and kids. That was my focus.”

He continued: “During that time, I also learned how much love and humanity is out in the world from the prayers and good wishes we received.

“But slowly, along with understanding what my priorities in life are, I began to feel a new commitment to express the emotions and lessons I’ve embraced.”

Of the new album, Michael went on: “Whether I am the narrator, the observer, the main character, the dreamer, the broken hearted guy at a bar or having the night of a lifetime, I have stories to tell on this record. It’s all there in the songs.

“I have had so many blessings in life and one of them is that I hold the torch to keep these songs alive for generations to come. I take the responsibility very seriously.”

Michael and wife Luisana Lopilato welcomed their third child back in July – a baby girl who they called Vida Amber Betty. 

As well as son Noah, now five, they are also parents to Elias, two.