Freya Ridings, 29, was due to perform at Windsor Castle on Sunday evening in celebration of King Charles’s Coronation.
The singer, who is best known for her hits Castles and Lost Without You, was scheduled to perform a duet with classical-composer Alexis Ffrench.
However, it has now been confirmed by the BBC that she will be replaced by London-born artist, Zak Abel.
The broadcaster said in a statement: “The BBC has announced that British singer-songwriter Zak Abel is stepping in to perform at Sunday’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, replacing Freya Ridings, who has had to pull out, due to being unwell and therefore unable to perform.”
He said: “I am honoured and overwhelmed to be included in the Coronation celebrations.
“To have the opportunity to be part of such a historic moment is something I will forever be humbled by and will never forget.”
Zak himself has overcome a number of hurdles in his journey to becoming a musician, including almost losing his hearing.
He had been diagnosed with otosclerosis – overgrowth and brittleness of the stapes bone in the ear.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Zak told The Times: “As a musician, it’s absolutely devastating…I left school with no qualifications. And, like, I don’t come from money. So, I was like, ‘What the f*** am I going to do if I’m not doing music?”
He eventually underwent an operation on his right ear and gradually began hearing again, although it will never be the same as it was.
The Coronation Concert will be held at Windsor Castle and airing on BBC One from 8pm.
Katy Perry, Take That and Lionel Richie will be headlining as well as Andrea Bocelli and Sir Bryn Terfel.
It has also been reported that Bette Midler will make a surprise appearance.
For all the latest Entertainment News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
