GLAMOUR model Jordan dramatically cancelled her star appearance at the Trafford Centre's Christmas lights switch-on at the 11th hour yesterday after falling ill.

Jordan, aka Katie Price, had been due to press the button with pop star husband Peter Andre, after an exclusive first live performance of their new single, A Whole New World.

But I hear Katie's people informed organisers yesterday that she would be unable to attend after falling ill and coming down with a mystery rash on her face and neck.

Organisers had hoped that Mysterious Girl star Peter would still be able to attend the glittering event without his glamorous wife, but were later informed that the illness was contagious, meaning he, too, would be unable to attend.

Other stars on the bill, including Coronation Street's heartthrob Richard Fleeshman, popera group G4, top super group Upper Street and Hollyoaks' stars Gemma Atkinson and Marcus Patric, rallied round to flick the switch together in front of a crowd of hundreds at the Trafford Centre's Orient.

Illness

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at the Trafford Centre, said last night: "Katie Price and Peter Andre are unable to be with us tonight due to illness.

"The couple have been in Rome for the last few days, filming, and were thrilled to be joining us at the Trafford Centre. However, sadly, Katie has been taken ill and the doctors have said she will have to cancel all her engagements for the next few days.

"They are extremely disappointed that they are unable to attend. It was going to be their first live performance of their new single, and, consequently, we would like to apologise to all of their fans."

But there is some hope for fans of the celebrity couple, as Gordon added: "They have, however, assured us that they would be delighted to come to the Trafford Centre in the very near future and all visitors to the centre will be duly notified when that occasion arises."