By Maureen Coleman.

Legendary music producer William Orbit has come out of self-imposed retirement to work with Belfast-bred Katie Melua.

The man behind Madonna's Grammy-winning Ray Of Light, has produced Melua's new album The House, which sees her take a new direction in her music.

While Melua's trademarks ballads are still on the album, it also showcases a new up-tempo sound.

Five of the singles have been written by Guy Chambers, famous for his collaborations with Robbie Williams, including her new single The Flood, due for release on May 17.

It is understood Orbit has also met with another pop star with strong Northern Ireland links - Nadine Coyle.

According to reports, Orbit spoke to the Girls Aloud star about producing tracks for her forthcoming album.

Coyle is also currently working with Chambers, who is penning songs for the album.

Orbit, who has worked with All Saints, Seal, Finley Quaye, Sugababes and Pink, is best known for producing Madonna's Ray Of Light, which won four Grammy awards, sold four million copies in the US and 20 million copies worldwide.

Speaking of his collaboration with Melua, he said: "I was captivated by Katie's voice when I first heard her demos in October last year and although not having been involved in record production for some time, I felt that I just had to work with her.
"It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and a pleasure from start to finish."

Melua, 25, was born in Georgia but moved to Belfast when her father, a doctor, took up a position at the Royal Victoria Hospital. She attended Dominican College, Fortwilliam, when she lived here.

Her debut album call Off The Search is the 87th best-selling British album in history.