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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Liz Perkins

BBC Radio Wales presenter and singer Mal Pope reveals Covid has affected his vocal chords

Mal Pope has revealed he has been struck down with Covid and it has badly affected his vocal chords. The singer-songwriter, 61, who had been enjoying chart success with his song entitled So Sad about breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.

It reached 25 in the Heritage Chart after airplay on Radio 2 and was also retweeted by the MP Jess Phillips.

Read more: Coronavirus infection rates, cases and deaths for all parts of Wales on Monday, March 21

But the Swansea entertainer has revealed to fans he is unable to perform in a series of gigs after being struck down by the virus. Mal said his health woes gave him little option.

“After so much positive news for #SOSAD we knew it couldn’t last,” he said.

“Sadly I’m testing positive for covid. Even though I might be negative by the weekend the virus has really hit my vocal chords. We have had to postpone this week’s concerts.

His battle with coronavirus means he has had to postpone his gigs (South Wales Evening Post)

“We have rearranged with Theatr Mwldan & Wyeside Arts to reschedule for November and with that in mind we have also rescheduled Ystrad Welfare for the autumn as well. I am so sorry but hopefully you’ll be there in November.”

Some of the tour dates have had to be rescheduled on a number of occasions due to the pandemic. They were some of the final dates of the 2020 tour.

Mal, who has been performing since the age of 12 after signing with Sir Elton John during the 1970s, said he was grateful for people’s support during this time. He added: “People have been very kind."

Coronavirus can lead to a variety of symptoms and long Covid can mean some people are suffering for months with the illness. Here's a list of what to watch out for here.

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