Kym Marsh is to record a song with Candi Staton.

The 'Coronation Street' actress is going into the studio with the 'You Got The Love' singer to collaborate on a track written by a ''top American songwriter''.

The two stars were introduced by mutual friend David Gest who is very excited about the duet.

Gest said: ''I am pleased to announce that Candi, one of the all-time greatest soul singers, and my good friend Kym, who I think of as my little sister, are collaborating on a duet. They will be going into the studio after this tour to record the single. I cannot divulge too many details at this time, but a top American songwriter has written a great tune for them! I am trying to convince Kym to go to Atlanta to record it in April. I think this record will put Kym right back on top of the charts.''

Kym is set to perform with Candi on the closing night of 'David Gest's Legends Of Soul Live Concert!' - which kicks off on January 31 and for which tickets are still available - at Gilgamesh in London on February 23.

Gest added: ''Candi and Kym will perform a duet together on the closing date of my tour. They will be performing Candi's version of 'Suspicious Minds', which was a top 10 hit for her in the UK.''

Kym started her career as a member of group Hear'Say, who were created on TV talent show 'Popstars' in 2001, before moving into acting.

The 'Legends Of Soul Live Concert!' tour features performances from a host of Motown and soul legends including Percy Sledge, Martha Reeves, Weather Girls singer Martha Wash and The Three Degrees star Sheila Ferguson.