Shirley Bassey to have operation

Shirley Bassey will miss her National Lottery date

Welsh singing star Dame Shirley Bassey is set to undergo minor surgery on a recurring hand injury.

The operation will mean Dame Shirley will miss performing on Saturday night to mark the sixth anniversary of the National Lottery Draw.

The 63-year-old superstar has been forced to cancel all immediate commitments in order to have the operation.

Her spokesman said: "She has got a problem with her hand which has been causing her some discomfort.

"It is to be dealt with using minor surgery.

"Unfortunately the timing clashes with the Lottery show but she felt it was better to get it dealt with sooner rather than later."

Dame Shirley will be having the operation at a hospital in Monte Carlo, where she now lives.

A spokesman for National Lottery Stars, which is hosted by Dale Winton, said: "We are obviously very disappointed Dame Shirley is unable to appear on National Lottery Stars.

"We wish her a speedy recovery and have invited her to perform later in the series once she has fully recovered."

Stepping in to take Dame Shirley's place are Texan pop quartet Destiny's Child and the classical girl group Bond.