Elton John is seriously ill in hospital.

The legendary British singer has been forced to cancel a string of concerts after he was diagnosed with an E. coli bacterial infection and influenza.

Elton (62) has been ill for two weeks, but his condition worsened and he was taken into an elite London hospital on Friday for tests. His partner, David Furnish, is understood to have spent yesterday at his bedside. As he left the hospital he said of Elton's condition: "He's OK, he's fine."

On doctor's advice the 'Rocketman' singer has, however, postponed US dates in Seattle and Portland which he was due to perform with Billy Joel over the next two weeks.

A spokesperson said: "The Elton John/Billy Joel Face 2 Face concerts originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, Saturday, November 7, and Tuesday, November 10, have been postponed.

"Organisers are working to establish new dates."

Elton also had to pull out of four UK concerts in his Red Piano tour last week, in Dublin, Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool and at London's Wembley Arena. He did, however, play in Barcelona last Tuesday.

Elton was fitted with a pacemaker in 1999 after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. He also has a history of problems with alcohol and drugs, but has been sober and clean for almost 20 years. Elton's UK dates will also be rescheduled.

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