ST HELENS singer Jacqui Abbott has pulled out of the Irish leg of her tour with Paul Heaton in order to help her voice fully recover.

After Paul and Jacqui's latest album 'N.K. Pop' went to Number One in October, they planned a highly-anticipated arena tour with singer-songwriter Billy Bragg last year.

Jacqui and Paul delighted fans with her fabulous homecoming gig at the Totally Wicked Stadium last summer, but after just three gigs on the 'N.K. Pop' tour, Jacqui had to pull out of shows in Bridlington, Glasgow, and Stockton following medical advice.

It was hoped that Jacqui would rejoin the band later on the tour but following further medical investigation, the Sutton singer pulled out of the remaining dates of the UK tour, including a huge gig at Manchester Arena on Saturday, December 10.

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St Helens Star: Paul and Jacqui's N.K. Pop album went to Number One in OctoberPaul and Jacqui's N.K. Pop album went to Number One in October (Image: Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott)

After a gap in the N.K. Pop tour, the Irish and Northern Irish leg starts in Dublin this weekend (Friday, February 17), but Jacqui has had to pull out again following "continued medical treatment".

In a statement on Twitter, Paul Heaton said: "We're sorry to announce that following continued medical treatment, Jacqui has been advised that she must continue to rest from singing over the next few weeks whilst her voice continues to recover.

"Jacqui's been making great progress and we look forward to seeing her back on stage for the spring/summer shows."

Following the Irish eg of Paul and Jacqui's tour, the pair will be back on stage at Neighbourhood Weekender in Warrington in May, and then onto a host of other summer festival slots.

Paul thanked fans for all their messages of support for Jacqui, and said fans are able to claim for a refund if they preferred to have seen Jacqui perform live.