Why Billy Pearce has had to cancel his gigs this year

Billy Pearce has been synonymous with the city for decades and is loved by generations of Bradfordians because of his Alhambra panto performances. 

Following a recent spinal operation, the 74-year-old said he's had to cancel his upcoming gigs as he focuses on his recovery.

Billy said he had been left upset and frustrated by the news as "letting people down is not something I take lightly".

But fear not, Billy said he will be back on stage at the end of the year to celebrate a quarter of a century of pantomime at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre this year.

Billy will star in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in his 25th season at the Alhambra, following a triumphant run as Geppetto in last year’s panto, Pinocchio.

Billy updated his fans on Facebook in a post that said: "Hello lovely people, following on from my last update, I’m really sorry to say that I’ll be cancelling my upcoming gigs for the remainder of the year to focus on my recovery after my recent spinal operation - and with a further back operation now scheduled.

"As you may know from my previous post, this is the first time I’ve had to cancel any gigs in my 50 plus years working and letting people down is not something I take lightly.

"It really upsets and frustrates me.

"I’m incredibly grateful for the love, support, good wishes and kind messages during this time. Everyone has been marvellous!

"The good news is, I’ll be back for panto at my beloved Alhambra Theatre in Bradford for my 25th year!

"Thank you all again for your understanding and I hope to be back, fighting fit, with my adult shows next year."