A veteran comedian who was arrested over an allegation of child abuse has cancelled his show in Chatham.

Jimmy Tarbuck was due to perform at the Central Theatre this November, but he cancelled the show last month –days after his arrest, it has emerged.

The allegation dates back to the 1970s and the Liverpool-born funny man has since pulled out of scheduled shows across the UK citing 'health reasons'.

Tarbuck – born James Joseph Tarbuck - has spent more than 50 years in the entertainment industry, beginning his television career in 1964 with the show It’s Tarbuck 65.

He went on to be a regular feature of prime time television in the 1970s and 1980s, hosting a number of quiz shows, including Winner Takes All and Full Swing.

Last November he performed in The Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London to celebrate the show’s 100th anniversary.

He was due to perform at the Central Theatre on November 8.

A spokesman for Medway Council said: “It was cancelled by Jimmy Tarbuck’s agent in May citing health reasons. The concert hadn’t been on sale long so not many tickets sold. All have been refunded.”

The entertainer and quiz show host - who has an OBE for services to showbusiness and charity - was released on bail pending further enquiries.

He is one of a number of high-profile figures from the entertainment industry that have been arrested following the Jimmy Savile scandal.

The dozen arrests include former pop star Gary Glitter, DJ Dave Lee Travis and comedian Freddie Starr.