Russell Brand cancels Sunderland show after the star's mum is injured in car crash

Russell was due to perform at Sunderland Empire on Thursday, May 3 as part of the tour, but has released a video on his Twitter page cancelling the tour after his mum Barbara, 71, has been left battling life-threatening injuries following the incident last week.

Speaking on the video, he said: “Tickets will be refunded or possibly rescheduled, but I can’t imagine performing at the moment because I feel too sad and connected to this. I apologise for these circumstances beyond my control.”

Russell thanked fans for their well wishes and praised the NHS for their efforts in helping his mum, who had only finished a course of chemotherapy a month before the accident.

A spokesperson for the Empire said: “Due to Russell’s mother remaining in a critical condition following a road accident last week, his promoters regrettably announce the indefinite postponement of his remaining Re:Birth tour dates. Ticketholders will be contacted or automatically refunded via their point of purchase. We send our very best wishes to Russell and his family.”