The gifted but troubled Geordie was due  to undertake a speaking tour of Adelaide, Perth and Sydney in January.

But event organisers took to social media today to announce with "deepest regret" the cancellation of the tour.

The 50-year-old, who has endured a public battle with alcoholism and mental issues, has also dropped out of a Newcastle Legends event in his hometown of Dunston this week.

Newcastle Legends director Steve Wraith tweeted: “Gazza has had to withdraw from the event this Wednesday due to ill health."

Fans who bought tickets for the Australian tour have been promised a full refund.

Organisers stated on Facebook: "It is with heavy hearts and the deepest of regret that we have to unfortunately announce that due to circumstances out of the control of Events 105, the Paul Gascoigne tour of Australia, scheduled to take place in January 2018, has to be cancelled.

"After close discussions with Paul’s management it has become apparent that the tour will be unable to go ahead as originally planned.

"A full refund on any tickets already purchased will be available from the respective ticketing outlets and you will need to contact the ticket company where you purchased the tickets in order to arrange for this.

"We can’t put into words just how extremely gutted we are that it has come to this. We have put a great amount of time and effort into arranging this tour and to see it end like this is both sad and disappointing.

"We would like to thank A1 Sporting Speakers for their efforts in trying to get this event over the line and our deepest apologies go out to all Paul’s fans in Australia who purchased tickets and will no doubt be disappointed with this news. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

"We wish Paul all the best for the future!"