Comedian Rob Beckett cancels Aberdeen and Edinburgh dates after sudden illness, rescheduling for 2026

Comedian Rob Beckett has pulled the plug on his Scottish tour schedule after falling ill, leaving fans in Aberdeen and Edinburgh shocked and disappointed. The beloved panel-show star announced the cancellations via Instagram on 25 June, describing his condition as serious enough to derail this week’s shows.

Beckett issued a heartfelt apology, writing:

“Hello everyone, I’m so sorry but I’m not well and can’t do the shows in Scotland this week.”

In the same post, he revealed both gigs—Aberdeen and Edinburgh—will now take place in January 2026: Aberdeen on the 14th, and Edinburgh on the 15th. He assured ticket-holders that their seats would be honoured and that venues would provide all relevant updates.

This comes amid a broader shift in his career plans. In March, Beckett told The Sun that he intended to step back from large tours to prioritise his young family. While he plans to continue in smaller venues and charity events, he confirmed he will pause major tours until his children are in their mid-teens, aiming to strike a balance between work and family life.

He elaborated:

“I’ll still do stand-up and local clubs and charity gigs, but I’m going to take a break from touring until the kids are 16/17… When they go to Uni, me and Lou are going to spend Feb and March in Australia bumming around.”

Since his debut in 2009 and triumph at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2012, Beckett has built a reputation as one of the UK’s premier comedy acts. A regular on panel shows and a former star of Celebs Go Dating, he has toured consistently over the past decade. Married to Louise since 2015, the pair has two daughters.

Fans expressed their dismay on social media. One wrote:

“Gutted doesn’t even cover it – can’t wait for Jan but this was going to be a massive night.”

Another added:

“Health always comes first. Get well soon, Rob – we’ll be there in 2026.”

As Beckett recuperates, industry insiders note that cancellations, while rare for top-tier comics, are increasingly common when performers prioritise mental or physical health. Post-pandemic burnout and the demands of gig schedules have sparked a broader conversation about sustainability in entertainment.

Yet for fans, the wait stretches on. Many had been eagerly anticipating his Scots gigs—a chance to see one of Britain’s brightest stand-ups live. With rescheduled dates secured, supporters cautiously hope nothing further interrupts his return to the stage.