Footballing legend Paul Gascoigne has dropped out of a public speaking tour set for January next year.
Former Newcastle United and England footballer Gazza was due to fly to Australia to entertain audiences with stories and anecdotes from his life in all its major cities.
The news comes after Gazza, 50, pulled out of a talk-in show alongside former teammate Peter Beardsley at the Lancastrian Suite, in his hometown of Dunston, Tyneside, on Wednesday December 6 due to ‘ill health’.
Former Newcastle United and England footballer Gazza was due to fly to Australia to entertain audiences with stories and anecdotes from his life in all its major cities
MailOnline understands ill health is also the reason for the cancellation of his tour of Australia.
Announcing the news to Aussie fans, events company Events 105 posted on its Facebook page: ‘We can’t put into words just how extremely gutted we are that it has come to this.
‘We have put a great amount of time and effort into arranging this tour and to see it end like this is both sad and disappointing.
‘Our deepest apologies go out to all Paul’s fans in Australia who purchased tickets and will no doubt be disappointed with this news.’
The news comes after Gazza, 50(pictured while playing for Rangers) pulled out of a talk-in show alongside former teammate Peter Beardsley at the Lancastrian Suite
Speaking about the cancelled Tyneside date, organiser Steve Wraith tweeted: ‘Gazza has had to withdraw from Event this Wednesday due to ill health.
‘An evening with Peter Beardsley will go ahead – all customers have been contacted via email provided on purchase. If you bought tickets from GroupOn please contact them direct.
‘We wish Paul well on his recovery.’
Gascoigne, who played for Newcastle between 1985-88, has battled a series of health problems since retiring from football.
In his autobiography, the star referred to struggles with bulimia, obbsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder and alcoholism.
The former sports star had been keeping a low profile of late as he focuses on his health and sobriety.
His spokesperson Terry Baker said that he was attempting to give up booze completely in 2017 after years of crippling addiction.
In January, he revealed: ‘Paul wants to let everyone know that he has gone into rehab.
Gascoigne was seen walking out of a speaking engagement at the Watford Colosseum last weekend
‘He is making a serious effort to get free of his demons and trying to become alcohol free for 2017. I’m not religious at all but if any of you are, say a prayer for him.’
Gascoigne has also been admitted to hospital and charged with drink driving on a number of occasions and he tried to battle his addiction.
In his autobiography, Gascoigne star referred to struggles with bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder and alcoholism.