Lily Allen has been forced to pull out of tomorrow' Mencap Big Noise Session due to illness.

The singer was due to appear alongside Coldplay and La Roux at the gig at Exeter Castle.

But a statement released on Allen's behalf said she had been “diagnosed with a severe recurrent throat infection”.

The condition has already caused the singer to pull out of two scheduled television appearances this week.

“She deeply regrets having to cancel her appearance this weekend and hopes that fans will enjoy the rest of the amazing bill on the show and lend their support to the incredible work done by learning disability charity, Mencap,” the statement added.

(by Jason Gregory)