Last updated at 11:09 17 August 2007

Maybe it was just too long a night; maybe she didn't want to punch another photographer.

Whatever the reason - and there can be no easy explanation - Lily Allen left a London nightclub early today carried by her friends in a large plastic bag.

The 22-year-old pop star was dragged 50 yards down Oxford Street in a Habitat shopping bag, then bundled into a car which sped off into the night.

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The singer had spent the night at Soho nightclub Punk with about 10 friends. Despite being advised to rest after suffering from sinusitis and strep throat, forcing her to pull out of several European dates.

Allen cancelled a handful of festival appearances due to her 'illness' she even posted her doctor's note online to prove it.

The group left the club, walked about 50 yards to a building under renovation and re-emerged with Lily in the bag, thwarting waiting paparazzi.

Those on Lily-in-a-Bag lifting duty included her best friend - and surely only a best friend would schlep a full-grown adult down Oxford Street in a bag - Miquita Oliver, a 23-year-old television presenter.

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Confined to such a small space, Lily was unable to show off her trademark kung fu kick, usually reserved for photographers.

Nor was she able to throw a punch or two, a wise move given the last time she did so back in March she ended up with a police caution.

This has caused a setback for Lily, daughter of actor Keith Allen, in her attempt to conquer the US music scene.

When she arrived in Los Angeles from Australia on 8 August, US authorities revoked her visa because of the punch-up.

A series of West Coast concerts may have to be cancelled and she has been dropped from the MTV Music Awards in Las Vegas.

All of which is enough to make a rising pop star want to close her eyes and curl up inside a plastic bag.