Pavarotti has said he wants to retire at 70

The tenor was due to appear at Glasgow SECC on 5 July, Chatsworth House on 8 July, Southampton Rose Bowl on 12 July and Warwick Castle on 15 July.

The singer suffered a setback while recovering from lower back surgery and is fighting an infection.

He was said to be "deeply disappointed" and hopes to reschedule the dates. Tickets will be refunded.

In a statement, Pavarotti offered an "enormous apology" to the fans affected.

Instead of performing, he will be undergoing intensive physiotherapy throughout July.

Last week, the star pulled out of the Canada and Washington legs of his Farewell Tour.

Then, his manager Terri Robson said the back surgery had been "100% successful".

In a statement on Pavarotti's website, Ms Robson said: "He went on to develop an infection during his stay in hospital; this condition has unfortunately delayed his recovery time.

"He is currently undergoing a course of intensive physiotherapy in New York."