Although his popularity waned in his native England through most of the 1980s and 1990s, Christie maintained a successful singing career in continental Europe during this period.

In 1999, Christie sang the Jarvis Cocker-penned UK top ten hit "Walk like a Panther", recorded by the Sheffield band All Seeing I.

His influence on a new generation of singers was further demonstrated when indie pop band Rinaldi Sings released a cover version of "Avenues & Alleyways" in March 2004.

In 2002, "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo" was used in the TV comedy series Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, leading to a resurgence in his popularity.

Following the song's success, Christie was awarded the freedom of Amarillo, Texas, and made a guest appearance on the Yorkshire-based TV soap opera Emmerdale.

[5] Following on from this success, Christie released a single on 5 December 2005, a big band cover of Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody".

The B-side contained a big band version of "*Is This the Way to) Amarillo" and a live recording of "If It Feels Good, Do It" plus videos of the first two tracks.

In 2008, Christie recorded the album Made in Sheffield, with production from Richard Hawley and contributions from Alex Turner and Jarvis Cocker.

The same year, Christie also featured in "Heresy", with his nephew's band Laruso, which was released on their début album A Classic Case of Cause and Effect.

In July 2010, Christie made his West End début in the musical Dreamboats and Petticoats in London's Playhouse Theatre playing the roles of 'Older Bobby' and 'Phil'.

Christie came joint second, with actress Susie Amy, behind winner Janet Ellis, but ahead of the musician and actor Goldie.

[7] Having signed with the Acid Jazz label, it was announced that a Northern soul inspired album was to be released in January 2011.

Included in the set list was a version of "Mr Bojangles" made famous by Sammy Davis Jr. and a cover of the Smokey Robinson hit "Shop Around".