Carl Barat has said he has spent the last two weeks “rehearsing furiously” for The Libertines reunion this week.

The band are due to play a one-off show at The Forum in London tomorrow (August 25), before performing at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

In a message to fans, Barat said the group, which includes original members Pete Doherty, Gary Powell and John Hassall, were “starting to sound pretty bang on”.

He added: “Really looking forward to taking to the stage on Wednesday and the big ones on Friday and Saturday. Should be a mad couple of shows.”

Meanwhile, Barat is set to release his self-titled debut solo album on October 4. The lead single 'Run With The Boys' is out on the same day.

(by Jason Gregory)