OUL star Alexander O'Neal has been forced to cancel a special concert in Worcester because someone has stolen his passport.

According to his British managers, the American singer was left fuming after bags were taken while on a tour of the States, last week.

Now, fellow 80s star Jason Donovan has stepped into his shoes as part of tonight's three-strong bill at the Chicago Rock Caf in Friar Street.

O'Neal's British manager Alistair Abrahams has scotched rumours the soul singer had been jailed and his passport revoked.

"His passport was stolen with some baggage, which we learnt about last Friday," he said.

"He was due to arrive here over the weekend. He was unable to make arrangements in time, so we've had to postpone the tour."

The 46-year-old, who has had more than 20 UK hits, including Criticize, was due to share a bill with ABC's Martin Fry and Go West at four Chicago Rock Cafs around the country.

Fry and Go West are still confirmed to play in Worcester, along with Jason Donovan - who first found fame as Scott Robinson in the Australian soap Neighbours - had four number one hits beginning with Especially For You, between 1989 and 1991.

Mr Abrahams said fans could expect to see O'Neal return to Britain in the near future, following an earlier tour in May, this year.

"We're not sure of a date at the moment," he added. "We don't know what the arrangements are with the other artists, so he may appear on his own."

Mr Abrahams said the cancellation was a double blow because O'Neal was expected to record some material for a new album due out early next year - his first since 1997's Lover's Again.

Born in Natchez, Mississippi, O'Neal has sold more than 11m albums around the world.

Mark O'Riordan, manager of Worcester's Chicago Rock Caf, said he would do all he could to secure O'Neal at a future date.

But he anticipated a sell-out crowd tonight, with the restaurant already fully-booked.

"We've been incredibly lucky to get Jason Donovan at this stage," he said.

"He has been in the West End doing Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat, but had some available dates. I think we'll be seriously packed."