But in her video message, a visibly emotional Celine told fans she was too ill to perform for the time being.
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Her Manchester shows have now been moved to 9 and 10 April, 2024.
She revealed that she’s been diagnosed with the ‘very rare’ stiff person syndrome, which she says only affects one in a million people.
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Celine Dion when she had to reschedule previous dates. Credit: Celine Dion
The condition has caused her to experience spasms, which have affected everything from her ability to walk to her vocal chords.
She said: “As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.
“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which effects something like one in a million people.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.
“Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Celine continued: “I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope,” she said. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.
“All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much, I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
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The star added: “This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves, be well. I love you guys so much. And I really hope I can see you again real soon.”
Featured image: Instagram, @celinedion
Music
Craig David to take to the stage at iconic racecourse for outdoor summer gig
Daisy Jackson
Craig David has been added to the star-studded line-up for this year’s The Jockey Club Live summer series, which takes over racecourses across the north west.
The singer, whose career launched 23 years ago with his debut album Born To Do It, will be taking to the stage with his live band at Haydock Park on Saturday 24 June.
Craig’s impressive career has included an astounding 23 UK top 40 singles, nine UK top 40 albums and over five billion streams worldwide, plus multiple BRIT Award and Grammy nominations.
He’s also the proud owner of four MOBO Awards and three Ivor Novello Awards.
The star catapulted back into the charts in recent years with a string of chart hits that have filled dancefloors.
Craig is the talent behind the legendary TS5 parties, which combine old school anthems with R&B, garage, and bashment, alongside plenty of contemporary hits.
Craig David. Credit: Publicity picture
He’s part of the bill of huge outdoor concerts announced for The Jockey Club Live, which also includes Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Pete Tong, and an epic Faithless DJ set from Sister Bliss.
Molly Dingwall, general manager at Haydock Park Racecourse said: “Craig is one of the icons of the UK music industry and a real voice of a generation – we’re so excited to have him at Haydock Park this Summer for a show that’s sure to be a highlight!”
Craig David said: “From my TS5 shows in Ibiza to sets at festivals like Glastonbury, there is nothing quite like an outdoor summer show! I can’t wait to bring the party to Haydock Park in June with my live band – bring it on!”
The Jockey Club Live events blend an exciting evening at the races with spectacular live music, in some of the most beautiful and iconic racecourse settings in the world.
Tickets for Craig David at Haydock Park on Saturday 24 June are on sale now, priced from £36.25 for adults and £16.80 for children.
Watch the moment Coldplay bring out Aitch as surprise guest on second night in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Coldplay stunned the huge crowd at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening when they brought out a very special guest – Manchester’s very own Aitch.
The young rapper from Moston popped up with the band on the second night of their sold-out run in Manchester.
Aitch has rocketed to fame (and wormed his way into all of our hearts) in recent years with hit singles Strike A Pose, Taste (Make It Shake) and Baby, as well as for his work to raise awareness for Down’s Syndrome, inspired by his little sister Gracie.
His surprise appearance on the Etihad Stadium stage comes just a week before his headline slot at Parklife festival.
And while the global sensations Coldplay duetting with local rap star Aitch wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card, the local crowd absolutely lapped up the surprise performance.
Aitch stood beside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to perform his hit song Buss Down. He was dressed in a two-piece blue and white outfit.
Chris was seen grinning to himself as he sang the lyrics ‘We busy makin’ love and smokin’ kush now’.
The 23-year-old star also rapped through his hit song 1989, which samples the riff from The Stone Roses’ Fools Gold, while Chris played along on an acoustic guitar.
Watch Aitch and Coldplay together on stage in Manchester below
On the first night of Coldplay’s run of shows, they performed a cover of James’ Sit Down – so they seem to be chipping away at our city’s staggering list of homegrown talents.
With two shows still to go, they could bring out some more local special guests yet…
Reaction on social media to Aitch’s appearance has been swift – and baffled.
One person wrote: “Aitch x Coldplay was the combo I didn’t realise I needed.”
Another said: “Coldplay have brought Aitch out, what the f*ck…”
Someone else tweeted: “Am very confused that Coldplay brought aitch out tonight but we move.”
And one tweet said: “Never did I think I’d see aitch at a coldplay concert let alone chris Martin singing buss down what was that all about.”
It was the second night of Coldplay’s four-night run at the Manchester City home ground. The group will be back on 3 and 4 June for more glittering shows.