Paul Heaton will perform the remainder of his UK Tour dates alone after Jacqui Abbott pulled out of the trek due to illness. 

The pair were mid-way through a run of rescheduled UK dates, including a number of free gigs for NHS staff, but former The Beautiful South star Jacqui has been forced to withdraw due to vocal issues. 

Ahead of Monday night’s gig at the Bonus Arena in Hull, Paul said: “Thank you for all your kind messages and support for Jacqui following the announcement yesterday.

“Sadly due to medical advice Jacqui will not be able to perform at the forthcoming shows,” the statement added, revealing that Heaton will perform alone with his band at the gigs in Hull, Birmingham and London this week.

In her own statement, Jacqui added: “To miss the last stretch of something we’d waited so long for is truly gutting, and I wish to say to everyone how sorry I am because it’s meant from the heart.

“Paul, the lads, and all the people behind the scenes have been supportive. Thank you for every kind word.”

Three further shows are scheduled this week, including stops in Birmingham and two nights at The London Palladium, before a handful of November dates. 

It remains to be seen whether Jacqui will rejoin the tour.