Lewis Capaldi makes ‘most difficult decision’ of his life after coping with Tourette's at Glastonbury

However, it has become clear to the talented singer songwriter that he requires more than a three week break before Glastonbury to take care of his health.

Breaking his silence in a statement that has received widespread backing from fans, Capaldi, 26, said: “First of all, thank you to Glastonbury for having me, for singing along when I needed it and for all the amazing messages afterwards. It really does mean the world.

“The fact that this probably won’t come as a surprise doesn’t make it any easier to write, but I’m very sorry to let you know I’m going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.

“I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I’d hoped three weeks away would sort me out.

“But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.

“I know I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time out when others can’t and I’d like to thank my amazing family, friends, team, medical professionals and all of you who’ve been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so during this past year when I’ve needed it more than ever.”

“I’m so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve.

“Playing for you every night is all I’ve ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can.”

The singer signed off: “All my love, always, Lewis x”

Capaldi has said that shooting his How I’m Feeling documentary with Netflix opened his eyes to how much impact Tourette’s and anxiety were having on his life.

The singer told the Independent: “I didn’t realise how much my anxiety and Tourette’s was taking over my life until I watched [the footage] back.”

He added: “When I saw the first draft, it was so depressing, I was surprised I didn’t die at the end! I mean, there’s always the sequel.”

In the documentary, Capaldi goes into detail about his condition: “When I have a panic attack, it feels like I’m going insane, completely disconnected from reality.

“I can’t breathe. I can’t feel my breath going in. I get dizzy. I feel like there’s something happening to my head. I’m sweating.

“My whole body starts to do what my shoulder does. Like pure convulsing. The big thing for me with it is, I’m always going to feel like this now, this is me. F***. This is it. Either I feel like I’m going to be stuck like that for ever, or I’m going to die.”

Capaldi made his Tourette's diagnosis public in September 2022, saying he didn’t want fans to think he “was taking cocaine or something.”

Unfortunately, Capaldi has explained that making music and performing can trigger worse symptoms, telling the Times: “It’s only making music that does this to me, otherwise I can be fine for months at a time, so it’s a weird situation.

“Right now, the trade-off is worth it, but if it gets to a point where I’m doing irreparable damage to myself, I’ll quit.”

At least for the time being, it would seem that the trade-off has tipped towards damaging and so the singer must put his health first.

Cancelled shows include headlining Reading and Leeds Festival, Chepstow Racecourse, and Royal Highland Showgrounds in Edinburgh.