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change of tune

I was a nineties R&B star with a huge hit – now I’m quitting the UK after failed politics career

HE became a household name thanks to his no.1 hit single Return of the Mack back in the nineties.

But Mark Morrison opted to go down a rather different path a couple of years ago when he decided he wanted to become the Mayor of Leicester.

Mark Morrison is now living in America after quitting the UK
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Mark Morrison is now living in America after quitting the UKCredit: Instagram
He was a huge star after a hit single in 1997
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He was a huge star after a hit single in 1997Credit: Getty

The star, now 49, planned to unseat Sir Peter Soulsby, but stepped down last year because he felt he wasn’t getting enough support and made the decision to move to America.

Speaking last year after his attempt, Mark said: "I can no longer shrink myself to fit a place I've outgrown.

"My incentive that brought me home was the rising knife crime and gang violence in my home town, but it feels my home town doesn't want my help.

"So maybe it's best I stay away, but I will always support and pray for the youth of the city, and unlike Peter… with my wallet not my mouth".

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Mark had opened up his Leicester penthouse as a recording studio and was offering free recording sessions to young musicians, in a bid to help keep kids away from crime.

The singer’s biggest hit – Return of the Mack - was released in 1996 and spent two weekes at the top of the UK charts.

He became a star across the globe, selling £3million albums worldwide.

While he continued to make music, he also made headlines due to a string of legal issues and even spent a year in prison for paying a lookalike to do his community service.

Mark is currently living in Florida in a huge mansion, which he bought last year.

He told his fans: “10 years ago i was homeless….Today i purchased myself a house for $2M in cash….GodisGood.”

Mark performing at the 1997 Brit Awards
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Mark performing at the 1997 Brit AwardsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd