Been a long time: Lemar returns with new single 'The Letter' taken from upcoming album

The singer-songwriter has recorded his sixth studio album in 13 years

Lemar has returned with a new single after five years out of the UK top 40 (Press handout)

Fame Academy alumnus Lemar is back with a new single five years after he last scored a top ten track with “The Way Love Goes”.

The R&B artist has debuted a new video for his latest single “The Letter”, a soulful cover of the song originally recorded by The Boxtops and then by Joe Cocker.

The single is the title track to his forthcoming sixth studio album after signing a new record deal with BMG in June. The album was recorded live with legendary producer Larry Klein, who has worked with artists such as Tracy Chapman, Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell.

The Brit Award-winning artist has been out of the spotlight for a few years since the release of his single “Invincible” in 2012.

His biggest hits include “Dance (With U)” (2003), “50:50/Lullaby” (2003) and “If There’s Any Justice” (2004).

The 37-year-old broke onto the music scene after finishing third place on the BBC’s talent show Fame Academy in 2002.

In addition to Will Young, he is one of the few TV talent show contestants from the early Noughties who continues to have commercial success.