George Michael cancels shows citing 'major anxiety'

George Michael (Rex)

Pop star George Michael has cancelled his shows in Australia, saying he was wrong to think he could work through the "major anxiety that has plagued" him since his life-threatening battle with pneumonia.

The singer, who nearly died late last year, was due to take his Symphonica tour down under in November and December but in a statement on his website he said he had decided he could no longer go through with them.

The statement said: "I have today announced the cancellation of the shows in Australia which breaks my heart. By way of explanation all I can say at this time is that since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience."

PA