Comedian Brand cancels three shows

Comedian Russell Brand has been forced to cancel three shows due to a sore throat, his publicist said.

The performer jokingly said in a statement that he was "alone except for the cat" and pledged to honour the tickets at a later date.

Apologising to disappointed fans, he said: "I will make it up to everyone at the rescheduled gigs on April 9, 10 and 11.

"I'm in bed, very confused, at the specialist's insistence. I'm alone - except for the cat, who I'm thinking of putting a bikini on - it must be the fever!"

His performance at the Hammersmith Apollo last night and two at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium tonight and on Sunday have been cancelled, publicist MBC said.

Brand has a throat infection and cancelled the shows on medical advice.

The comedian has had a tumultuous few months after becoming embroiled in controversy over obscene phone messages left for 'Fawlty Towers' actor Andrew Sachs during his Radio 2 show.

He resigned from the BBC slot and is currently trying to forge a film career on top of working as a stand-up comedian.

The cancelled appearances have been rescheduled for April 9 to 11 and original tickets will be valid.

Holders who cannot attend the new dates should return their tickets to the point of purchase by March 14, MBC said.

All other shows on the tour are expected to be unaffected.