Michael Jackson O2 Arena Delays 'Not Due To Skin Cancer'

Michael Jackson's tour promoter has denied reports that the star has delayed his O2 Arena shows due to skin cancer.

AEG Live president Randy Phillips told the BBC that the postponement is “absolutely nothing” to do with the King of Pop's reported ill health.

He even said: "I would trade my body for his tomorrow. He's in fantastic shape."

Phillips said the decision to delay the shows was “tough” and that anyone who couldn't make the rearranged dates could claim a full refund.

He confirmed that Jackson is “not dying of skin cancer", but added that further postponements would be possible if the singer fell ill.  

As reported yesterday, promoters AEG blamed the delay on the sheer “magnitude” of the stage show and claimed time was needed in order to “meet the challenges” of the “complex” set-up.

The opening date of Jackson's residency has been pushed back  five nights to July 13, while the next three have been moved to early March 2010.

Fans have been voicing their disappointment at the delays, especially those who have paid for tickets to the second, third and fourth shows.

One told Gigwise: “This is a joke, I now have to wait a whole year to see a show I was looking forward to seeing in a few weeks. Can believe Michael has done this to me, not happy!!”