Northern Irish singer, Brian Kennedy, revealed on local radio show Republic's Today FM, that he is battling cancer.

The 49-year-old told the Matt Cooper show:

"I have just started a journey with cancer, I'm afraid to say. It was a huge shock of course. It's the most bizarre thing.

First of all, what I have is called rectal cancer. I said to my doctor 'Could I have a more embarrassing from of cancer. Cancer in my bum, really?'

"At the same time, of course, he pointed out to me that there are plenty other worse places to get cancer."

Kennedy has performed with Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker and Van Morrison. He started off busking on the Belfast streets before moving to London at the age of 18 where he continued to busk at tube stations. He was discovered by Simon Fuller, the Spice Girls and David Beckham manager.

He made his revelation whilst he was launching the Irish Cancer Society's 'Dare to Care' fund.

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.

Watch Brian Kennedy in action below: