US R&B star Ne-Yo has urged Leona Lewis to tour in order to gain some more experience.

Ne-Yo, who worked on the former X Factor winner's debut album 'Spirit', said Lewis's shyness could work against her.

Since winning the reality show in 2006, Lewis has rarely performed live. But the star has still achieved a huge global fan base.

"Leona is very shy, which could be a good or bad thing,” he told the Daily Star newspaer. “In this business, people want to know you so you've got to be willing to give it.

"I hope she starts doing shows to build up her stage presence as it's something you have to train for."

Lewis played her longest show ever at a private party in Staffordshire last weekend. She is reported to have been paid £1million to play a seven song set.

Meanwhile, Ne-Yo also revealed that he had written more material for Lewis, and described one of the songs as a “big ballad”.

Lewis is currently recording her as-yet-untitled second album, which is due for release in the autumn.

(by Jason Gregory)