Former Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton has cancelled his upcoming tour of Australia due to illness.

The A Little Time singer was scheduled to play shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth next month (Oct12), but he has been forced to axe the dates after falling sick.

A statement on his Facebook.com page reads, "We are sorry to inform you that due to illness, Paul has been strongly advised not to undertake the proposed trip to Australia. As a result all previously announced Australian tour dates have now been cancelled.

"Paul and the band are extremely saddened to make this announcement but hope to reschedule these dates for some time in 2013."