CHERIE Blair has been forced to cancel several engagements after falling ill with suspected swine flu.

Mrs Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, is understood to have been told she has the virus earlier this week.

Doctors have prescribed the anti-viral drug Tamiflu and told her to rest at home.

She was due to receive an honorary degree in Liverpool today, but is too unwell.

Mr Blair and the family's children have not caught the virus.