Brain surgery for Roxette star

Roxette first hit the UK singles charts in 1989

Marie Fredriksson, singer with Swedish pop act Roxette, is to undergo surgery next week to remove a brain tumour.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with the tumour after she fell and hit her head against a sink two weeks ago at her home in Stockholm.

She suffered concussion in the fall but has since recovered.

However, doctors at the Karolinska Hospital in the Swedish capital have now said they will operate on the tumour in the back of the singer's head, following tests.

Fredriksson duetted with Abba's Anni-Frid Lyngstad in 1999

"Under the circumstances Marie is in good spirits but it is of course a delicate procedure that lies ahead," said a spokesperson for the singer.

"It is however clear that Marie will have to cancel her commitments for the near future."

Roxette, a duo composed of Ms Fredriksson and guitarist and singer Per Gessle, have cancelled a European tour which was due to begin in late October.

Their new single, A Thing About You, was due for release next week followed by an album, The Ballad Hits.

Success

The duo are one of the most successful musical exports Sweden has produced - and the most successful ever in the US singles charts.

Their first UK hit, The Look, hit number seven in the UK singles charts in 1989.

Since then they have had four more top 10 hits in the UK, including It Must Have Been Love, Joyride and Almost Unreal.

Frederiksson had also enjoyed success under her own name, hitting the Swedish charts in 1999 with a duet, Wonderful World, with Abba's Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

In November the duo joined US singer and actress Jennifer Lopez and Swedish royal dignitaries at the party for Lopez's European tour.