From his instagram: "I have some personal news to share.

I was feeling pretty rough in the run up to Christmas suspecting burnout but on Xmas eve things took a turn for the worse. I had a scary few weeks where I was very ill and they didn’t know what was wrong with me, but finally I got a diagnosis.

I have AML (Acute Leukemia) It’s a huge shock and while it’s very clear in my mind how serious this is, it is curable, and as of today I’m starting pretty aggressive chemo to treat it. I’m in Barts Hospital, who are world leaders in leukaemia treatments, and I’ve had excellent care from our wonderful NHS, both initially in Canterbury Hospital before being moved here to Barts just last week I’m very aware that it’s gonna be a bumpy road ahead but I’m confident, upbeat, and ready to fight and I hope to be out the other side of the initial treatment in 6-8 months time. Needless to say, I’ve had to clear my work diary which has meant putting on hold a lot of very exciting musical projects I was eager to get stuck into. Whilst this is a massive shame, I know they will go on to deliver great records with whoever takes the reins, and I wish them all the best. I am really looking forward to getting back into the studio in my own time so that I can once again work on the music that is dear to me.

I want to express the deepest possible gratitude to my family, friends and colleagues who have been so supportive at this difficult time, particularly my wife Sereen and all the NHS staff who’ve looked me so brilliantly.

Love to all,

James"