Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulls out of headlining Poole Pride

Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 2001 hit, Murder on the Dancefloor, is back in the charts

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has pulled out of headlining a Pride event set to be held in Dorset this summer.

The first Poole Pride is being hosted at the town's Lighthouse theatre on 8 June, and it was previously announced the star would be performing at its evening concert.

The Murder on the Dancefloor singer did not give a reason why she was unable to attend the LGBTQ+ event - but said she hoped to be back in the future.

Ticket-holders have been notified.

In a statement, Ellis-Bextor said: "I'm really sorry I won't be able to perform at Poole Pride this year, but I hope to be able to come back and do a great show for you in the future.

"Wishing you all the best with the first Poole Pride. I know it will be amazing!"

The hitmaker has been back in the charts this year as a result of her noughties song, Murder on the Dancefloor, being featured in the hit twisted thriller Saltburn.

Poole Pride will take place at the town's Lighthouse venue

Organisers said they were working hard to find a replacement headliner.

"[We] will have some exciting news to share very soon," said Tim Colegate, Lighthouse's head of programming.

"Although it's a shame that Sophie cannot be with us, Poole Pride is still going ahead and we're more determined than ever to host a brilliant, inclusive event that everyone in Poole can be proud of," he added.

Poole Pride is still expected to take place at the venue and will be preceded by a week-long film festival.

As well as the concert and DJs, there will be a family-friendly daytime programme with performances and talks.

A month-long exhibition is also planned to honour gay activist John Chesterman, who was involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].