Comedian Jason Manford will not be part of the Taylorian Productions’ Christmas show this December after all.

The drama company says he was unavailable due to circumstances beyond its control.

Mr Manford was due to be the special guest of the show, A Taylorian Christmas, at the Villa Marina this December.

The one-night-only performance will feature a variety of Christmas hits along with songs from musicals on Saturday, December 21.

In a video, Mr Manford said: ’I was very much looking forward to coming and performing in the Taylorian Christmas show with over 100 local performers making it very festive indeed, I love a bit of Christmas.

’Unfortunately the show that I’m in has been transferred to the West End and it so happens to be that the dates clash and I am really very sorry I won’t be able to join you this year. Hopefully I can come again at some point in the future. As far as I’m aware it’s nearly sold out so please still support this wonderful show.’

The Salford comedian is currently part of the musical Curtains in which he’s playing the role of Frank Cioffi.

A spokesman for Taylorian said: ’Jason is just as disappointed as we are as he was very much looking forward to coming back to the island to perform with our incredible cast, however he has just been given an opportunity that he simply can’t turn down.

’We do understand that some people may be disappointed but this one-night-only performance will still be going ahead and it will bring the community together to perform a variety of Christmas hits along with Christmas songs from the musicals.’