BLUE comedian Roy "Chubby" Brown has postponed a visit to the North-East due to ill health.

Mr Brown was scheduled to bring his Stocking Filler tour to the Sunderland Empire, where shows were planned for June 10 and 11.

They have now been put back to next March because the comedian is experiencing throat problems.

In a statement, his company said: "Roy Chubby Brown has undergone surgery this month for the removal of nodules from his throat.

"During the operation, some small growths were discovered, which upon analysis, have proved to be benign.

"However, the growths do need to be removed and a further operation will be carried out today.

"The specialists have told Roy to expect the recovery period to be between six and eight weeks.

"Roy would like to express his assertion that these growths are not cancerous, and that he will be back to work as soon as possible."

Anyone who has tickets for the shows should contact the box office on 0191-514 2517 for a refund. The dates have been rescheduled for March 19 and 20, next year