The forthcoming Australian tour for George Michael has been cancelled.

In a statement today George announced, 'I have today announced the cancellation of the shows in Australia which breaks my heart. By way of explanation all I can say at this time is that since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience. They recommended complete rest and the type of post traumatic counselling which is available in cases like mine but I'm afraid I believed (wrongly) that making music and getting out there to perform for the audiences that bring me such joy would be therapy enough in itself. Unfortunately I seriously underestimated how difficult this year would be and although I was right to believe that the shows would bring me great happiness and that my voice would recover completely (I truly think that some of my recent performances have been my best ever) I was wrong to think I could work my way through the major anxiety that has plagued me since I left Austria last December.

'All that's left for me to do is apologise to my wonderful Australian fan base and to promise faithfully that as soon as I complete these shows here in the UK I will receive the treatment which is so long overdue.'

UPDATE: Elton John to replace George Michael at Perth Arena opening

The following information is for ticket holders from promoter Paul Dainty:

All tickets will be automatically refunded by Friday 12th October (including your ticket insurance premium, if relevant). Check below for full refund information.

Tickets Purchased by Credit & Debit Cards
If you purchased tickets by credit or debit card, a full refund will be processed to the card that was used at the time of purchase. Please allow a further 10 working days for the refund to be listed on your credit card statement.

Tickets Purchased by Cash & EFTPOS 
If you purchased tickets by cash or EFTPOS you will receive a cheque for the full refund amount in the post. The cheque will be made out to the name of the account holder who made the original purchase. Please allow until Friday 19th October for the refund cheque to arrive in the post.

Please note you are not required to return your tickets as the event is cancelled and the tickets will not be valid for any other event.