As part of her Golden Tour, Kylie Minogue had arrived in Dublin on Friday and was due to play the 3Arena yesterday and Belfast's SSE Arena tonight. However, in a turn of events that will have grievously disappointed ticket-holders, the legendary Australian singer was forced to cancel her two Irish gigs because due to illness, leaving fans up and down the country devastated.

"Lovers," Kylie Minogue addressed her fans via Twitter yesterday. "I’m so sorry to let you know that I can’t do tonight’s Dublin or tomorrow’s Belfast shows. I’ve been trying everything possible to be well enough to perform for you but a throat infection has led to vocal strain."

The concert promoters Aiken Promotions have apologised for any inconvenience and are asking ticket holders to hold onto their tickets while they sort out rescheduling the dates. Her desire to reschedule was confirmed by Kylie Minogue herself – who has always had a special grá for her Irish fans.

"I promise I’ll be back as soon as possible and at 100%," the 50-year old assured her followers in a separate tweet. "We’re working on rescheduling and more details will follow. I’m so, so sorry to let you down and thank you for your understanding."

Despite the late notice of the cancellation of the Dublin show, which came mere hours before the doors of the 3Arena were set to open, fans of the star on social media have been widely supportive of Kylie Minogue, understanding her plight and wishing her a speedy recovery.

Kylie Minogue's debut album, simply entitled Kylie, sold 5 million copies worldwide. But that tally was eclipsed by the runaway success of 2001's acclaimed Fever, which sold well over a million copies in the US alone, and topped the 6 million mark globally. It was a No.1 hit in Ireland, as well as Australia, Germany and the UK, and reached No.3 in the US Billboard Hot 100.