Because of a family health issue

Frank Skinner has cancelled his Edinburgh Fringe run because of a family health issue.

The comic, 65, had been due to kick off a full run of his new show, 30 Years Of Dirt, at Assembly Roxy tonight, in which he would have considered whether he could be funny without being filthy.

His stage comeback had triggered renewed interest in the comedian, including a recent South Bank Show profile and major interviews in The Guardian and The Mirror.

And Three Lions, which he co-wrote with David Baddiel and Ian Broudie from the Lightning Seeds, is riding high again thanks to England’s success in the Euros.

In a statement, Skinner’s agents Avalon said: ‘Due to a family health issue, Frank Skinner is unable to travel for the foreseeable future, therefore his sold-out 30 Years of Dirt stand-up show at Assembly, Edinburgh this August has regrettably been cancelled. All ticket holders will receive a full refund.

'Frank’s weekly Absolute Radio show will continue as normal.'

The comic has a ten-year-old son, Buzz, with partner Cath Mason, an agent.

In his Mirror interview, he explained why Edinburgh had a special place in his heart – beyond making his breakthrough with a Perrier-winning show in 1991.

He said: ‘There’s a place, Advocate's Close, off the Royal Mile, where my son was conceived. I’ve photographed him standing in front of the sign. I can only explain it in vague terms, like, "this is where the first part of you happened". I do think conception venues aren't celebrated enough. Birthdays are so boring.'

Published: 4 Aug 2022