Lily Allen was forced to pull out of a U.K. concert on Saturday (05Dec09) - because she could hardly speak due to an ongoing throat and chest illness.
The Smile hitmaker cancelled her performance at the Jingle Bell Ball in London after doctors ordered her to rest to recover from bouts of both laryngitis and bronchitis, which she's been battling for the last two months.
In a statement released to Capital FM, which hosted the event, Allen says, "I've been battling a throat problem on tour for weeks now but it has finally got the better of me. I've done my best at not cancelling any shows as I don't want to disappoint my fans, but on doctors' orders I have to totally rest my voice for five days, meaning that I cannot do the Jingle Bell Ball. I'm so sorry for all the Capital listeners looking forward to seeing me at the event, but I'm struggling to talk, let alone sing. I really appreciate the support that my fans and Capital have given me, and I hope to see you all very soon."
Allen has just a few live shows remaining before March (10), when she embarks on a planned two-year hiatus from making music.