THOUSANDS of North-East pop fans were left disappointed last night, after US star Christina Aguilera cancelled her first concert in the region on doctor's orders.

The 22-year-old singer was due to perform before a sell-out crowd of 7,000 at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle but she pulled out at midday yesterday, only hours before she was due on stage, after contracting acute bronchitis.

Tonight's show at the Manchester MEN Arena has also been cancelled.

Christina said: "I'd like to apologise to all my fans who have bought tickets for the shows in Newcastle and Manchester.

"I am terribly sorry for any inconvenience caused but my doctor has ordered me to my bed and told me I cannot perform for at least ten days.

"I've so enjoyed this British tour. The fans have been fantastic. I'm so sorry we've had to cancel these last two dates but look forward to coming back to the UK soon."

A spokeswoman for the Telewest Arena said: "The stage had already been set up when they delivered the bombshell at lunch time. It was devastating for us.

"We tried to fix a rescheduled date, but there isn't anything left this year, because of her commitments."

Anyone with a ticket is advised to contact the Arena to claim back their money.