Lily Allen to miss tour as US revokes her visa

Lily Allen has postponed her US tour and her appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards because of an ongoing visa dispute.

The American authorities revoked Allen's work visa earlier this month after detaining her at Los Angeles Airport, which means she will miss the MTV ceremony despite being nominated for one of the awards.

Allen, 22, had hoped that the situation would be sorted out in time to start her tour on 6 September. "US authorities revoked her work visa and the reinstatement process has proven lengthier than anticipated," said a spokesman for her record company.

The singer's first gig was to have been in San Diego, California, and she was booked to appear at the MTV awards in Las Vegas three days later where she has been nominated for best newcomer. She is due to perform at the V Festival this weekend.

In March, she was questioned by immigration officials at Los Angeles Airport over an alleged clash with a photographer outside a London nightclub.