Sir Elton John has said he is "overwhelmed with gratitude" from an "avalanche of kindness" after revealing he contracted a bacterial infection in South America that put him in intensive care.

The singer disclosed on Monday night that he became "violently ill" during a flight back to Britain from Santiago, Chile, where he performed on April 10.

The 70-year-old has cancelled a series of forthcoming performances as he recovers from the serious illness that a spokesman described as "potentially deadly".

Posting a picture on Instagram of him on stage, Sir Elton wrote on Tuesday morning that he is "getting stronger every day" - and told fans he will be back on tour in June.