Madonna tickets sell out in 30 minutes

A fourth date has been added to the UK leg of Madonna's world tour.

Her July 4 date at Earl's Court in London sold out inside half an hour when tickets went on sale at 8am today.

A further show on July 6 was added, which also sold out in minutes.

The third and fourth dates which have been confirmed are on July 7 and 9.

Madonna drew some criticism for the high prices of the tickets, particularly when the cost of travel was factored in for fans who had travel from all parts of the UK to London.

But her spokeswoman said they compared favourably with other major acts.

The star is promising tracks from her latest album Music, its predecessor Ray Of Light and highlights from her career when she plays.

Madonna married British film director Guy Ritchie last year and divides her time between Britain and the United Stakes.

The couple’s combined wealth is estimated at £180m.

The singer will be hitting the road less than a year after her second child Rocco was born in August 2000.

At one stage there was confusion when it was wrongly reported that Madonna would also be playing at the venue on July 5.

It is thought two more concerts could also be announced.

July 10 and 12 appeared briefly on the official Earl's Court website earlier today but were then removed.