The news comes after the singer cancelled ten US dates earlier this month due to recurring problems with her vocal cords - which also prevented her from performing at the Mercury Music Prize in September.

A statement from record label XL today said that a "full recovery is expected". An outpouring of well-wishing from fans is already underway on Adele's official website, Twitter and elsewhere online.

The statement read: "It is with deep regret that Adele has been forced to ...