Sir Elton John has spent two days in intensive care after contracting a “potentially deadly” bacterial infection, it has been revealed.

Sir Elton John has spent two days in intensive care after contracting a “potentially deadly” bacterial infection, it has been revealed.

The illness has forced the Rocket Man singer to cancel a series of tour dates in the United States, but he should make a full recovery in time for his performance at the home of Ipswich Town Football Club, Portman Road, on Saturday, June 17.

According to a statement released on his behalf, the 70-year-old contracted the “harmful and unusual” bug during his recent tour of South America.

He became “violently ill” during the flight home from Santiago, Chile and was immediately admitted to hospital.

Sir Elton is now recovering at home, but has been forced to cancel the May and April dates of his Las Vegas residency.

The statement continued: “Upon returning to the UK, Elton’s doctors admitted him to hospital, where he underwent immediate treatment to remove the infection.

“After spending two nights in intensive care followed by an extended stay in hospital, Elton was released from hospital on Saturday, April 22 and is now comfortably resting at home per doctors advice.

“Infections of this nature are rare and potentially deadly. Thankfully, Elton’s medical team identified this quickly and treated it successfully. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery.”

Sir Elton added: “I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologise for disappointing them.

“I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well.”

The star is due to return to his schedule of live performances in Twickenham, south west London, on Saturday, June 3. He will also perform in Derby, Birmingham, Leeds, Blackburn and Peterborough before bringing the Wonderful Crazy Night Tour to Suffolk.