Ozzy Osbourne admitted to hospital with flu complications

Ozzy Osbourne has been admitted to hospital with flu complications, his wife Sharon has said.

The heavy metal star, 70, was hospitalised on doctors' orders after being diagnosed with a severe upper-respiratory infection at the end of January.

The former Black Sabbath singer has been forced to postpone a European tour on the advice of doctors who feared an "extensive travel schedule throughout Europe in harsh winter conditions" could led to pneumonia according to a statement on his website.

On Thursday, Sharon, 66, tweeted: "As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu.

"His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love."

Birmingham-born Osbourne said he was "completely devastated" at having to postpone the European leg of his tour, which included six dates in the UK.

He said it was being rescheduled for September.