Busted star James Bourne has shared a devastating health update, revealing he is awaiting major surgery that he hopes will 'extend his life'. The 42-year-old musician was forced to pull out of the band's tour with McFly just hours before it began due to his health.
In a statement on Instagram Stories, Bourne wrote: 'I have a plan in place to have a major surgery that should extend my life and hopefully make me well enough to come back to what I love the most which is touring and making music. It really sucks to be out of the game. But there is hope!' He has not disclosed the nature of his condition or the surgery.
Last year, Bourne explained he was unable to perform on the VS tour, saying: 'Over the last 8 days it has become clear that I am not in good enough health to play these shows.' He added that his bandmates and management agreed he should focus on medical matters.
During the tour, bandmate Matt Willis spoke about Bourne's absence, saying: 'James Bourne is really f***ing sick and we love him and we miss him. This is the first show we've ever played without him and it's really weird.' Willis also noted that the situation had 'happened f***ing fast' and emphasised 'health is wealth'.
The VS tour continued across the UK with a replacement musician, concluding in Nottingham in November. Bourne's bandmates kept him front and centre in spirit, regularly speaking about him during shows.
