Pop singer Kylie Minogue has announced the cancellation of four of her upcoming shows after being struck down with illness.

The Australian perennial chart-topper has been performing on her 'Tension' tour to sell-out crowds in the UK, but has been forced to abort four imminent European dates after coming down with laryngitis, inflammation of the vocal chords and voice box, reported Deadline.

The Tension Tour is her first global one in seven years, and the 16th in her long career. She was due to perform in Berlin on Monday, followed by concerts in Poland, Lithuania and Estonia. However,