George Michael has confirmed new dates for the tour he was forced to postpone after falling ill.

The British singer was hospitalised with pneumonia in Austria last year while performing a series of shows for the first time in three years.

George has now fully recovered and today he announced rescheduled dates for his Symphonica Tour.

The 48-year-old star will kick off proceedings in Vienna on September 4.

This date has been added to the tour so that George can thank the medical staff who restored him to health. He is giving away 1,000 free tickets to employees at the hospital where he was treated.

"George Michael is back in good health and fighting fit after a battle with pneumonia," a statement released on George's behalf said today. "I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you first to the doctors and nurses who saved my life and took such great care of me and to all my fans, family and friends for their love and support.

"I'm looking forward to seeing everyone."

George will also perform several shows in the UK, including a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on September 29.

Tickets which were purchased for the original dates will be valid for the rescheduled concerts.

The star had performed 46 shows from his original 65-date tour before he took ill.