One of Britain's most successful female singers, Dusty Springfield, is seriously ill with cancer.

The revelation was made on Monday night by the compere, Ben Elton, during the 1998 Brit Awards, one of the music industry's most glittering occasions.

Elton said: "We had hoped that Dusty Springfield, that icon of music, would be here tonight.

"Sadly her management have asked us to convey her apologies and said that she's very ill and sadly battling against cancer.

Best wishes

"So I know everybody in the industry will send Dusty our love and our very best wishes."

The 59-year-old had several hits in the 1960s and is most famous for "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", "I Only Want To Be With You" and "Son Of A Preacher Man".

The announcement cast a shadow over the awards which were held at the London Arena in Docklands.

The star's manager and longtime friend, Vicki Wickham, said recently: "We have every expectation that Dusty's going to make a full recovery."

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