GEORGE Michael has pulled the plug on the rest of his tour, including a gig in the North-East, as he battles severe pneumonia.

The singer, who is being treated in hospital in Vienna, Austria, was said today to be responding to treatment and slowly improving.

But he has now been told by doctors to take complete rest and the remainder of his scheduled shows have been put on hold.

The star, who has been diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia, was due to play UK shows on his Symphonica tour until the week before Christmas.

His gig at the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on December 3 is one of those called off.