FORMER world champion boxer Chris Eubank has cancelled his one man show in Bolton -- because he is too frightened to fly back to Britain from the Middle East.

The eccentric ex-fighter was due to appear in the Albert Halls next Tuesday as part of the nationwide tour of his show, "An Evening With Chris Eubank".

But the larger than life character, famous for his confident show of arrogance, is stranded in Dubai as he does not want to chance the flight home while the conflict with Afghanistan continues.

About 350 tickets were sold for the show in Bolton and refunds are being organised. The former boxer has cancelled his entire tour, which was to take him around the country.

No new dates have been pencilled in, but it is hoped he will re-arrange the tour for 2002.

A spokesman for Mr Eubank said: "It is with regret that Chris announces that he will not be able to attend the tour which had been planned to take place.

"Chris has been in the Middle East on business for some time, although it had always been his intention to return to the UK in good time for the tour.

"Unfortunately the horrific tragedy of September 11 and the subsequent events taking place in Afghanistan and the Middle East have made the situation there extremely volatile.

"Chris, in common with a number of other high profile sporting stars, has decided that travel by air in these circumstances, and in particular to and from the Middle East, poses an unnecessary risk to his personal safety.

"Chris would like to express his sincere apologies to his fans and supporters."

Phil Smith, the Albert Halls entertainments manager, said: "On behalf of the Albert Halls I would like to take this opportunity to express our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this late change to the autumn programme."

He added that as no alternative date has been scheduled, customers are advised to contact their point of sale to arrange a refund for tickets they have bought.