Visa problems force Allen to cancel US gigs

Lily Allen's battle to renew her US visa has forced her to cancel a series of concerts next month.

The singer was allowed to enter the country earlier this month, but officials refused to renew her visa.

Now back in London, she has been forced to cancel a string of gigs on the America's west coast next month because "the (visa) reinstatement process has proven lengthier than anticipated", according to a statement from concert presenter Live Nation.

Allen says: "I am so disappointed that I won't be able to come to the States at this time. I was really looking forward to playing these shows and being part of the Video Music Awards. I want my fans to know that I'll be back as soon as I possibly can."