Kate Bush tickets are set to sell out within two hours, with tens of thousands of fans expected to battle for tickets, according to research by ticket marketplace Seatwave.

Seatwave’s analysis of demand on its site has revealed that searches for Kate Bush tickets are currently outstripping stars Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Ellie Goulding by roughly 20 per cent. This is despite the fact that tickets for the iconic Wuthering Heights star’s Hammersmith Apollo residence do not go on sale until Friday.

As a result of fan speculation around surprise tour  announcements, Seatwave has also seen the number searches for David Bowie tickets surge by 80 per cent as fans hope that the reclusive star, encouraged by Bush’s announcement, will follow suite and announce his first tour in ten years.

Louise Mullock, spokesperson for Seatwave, commented: “Kate Bush’s announcement has taken everyone by surprise, many assumed they would never see her live in concert again. She is such a talented individual with a catalogue of solid hits, we expect her shows to sell out very quickly.

“It’s also interesting that her announcement has fuelled speculation that David Bowie will also announce live shows soon – fingers crossed he does.”