Drake declares love for London at first UK date in Boy Meets World tour

Drake declared London his ‘favourite city in the world’ as he kicked off the UK leg of his Boy Meets World tour.

After a series of cancellations in European cities, the Canadian hip hop star was back with a bang as he performed the first of eight O2 dates on Monday night.

While the musician kept the talking to a minimum, he was very vocal for his love of the capital city, saying that he owed a lot to UK fans.

“I owe my whole career to London. This is my favourite city in the world,” he told the crowd as he opened the show.

After draping a Union Jack round his shoulders, he went on to say that he would make the city his home ‘one day’.

“London is the most inspiring place in the world – the people, the music, the women,” he added.

And the star proved that he wasn’t all talk as he brought a number of UK grime acts out on to the stage during his set.

“Make some noise for this legend, my brother, Giggs,” he told the crowd as he welcomed the South London rapper onto the stage.

Despite the odd verbal interlude to tell the crowd how much he loved the city, he played more than 30 of his hit songs.

As well as chart favourites such as Hotline Bling and One Dance, Drake performed Started From The Bottom, Child’s Play, Worst Behaviour, Over and Headlines.

“This was probably the most fun I’ve had at a single show in my life,” he told the packed arena.

“Do you know what my favourite thing about tonight is? The world is going through so much hate and confusion right now. But take a look around.

“There are people from all places and all races here tonight. I want you to keep loving each other and take that concept and apply it when you leave these doors.”