Ed Fringe 2010: Frank Skinner pulls out of Assembly Rooms show

Comedian Frank Skinner has left directors at the Assembly in disarray after quitting his Fringe show at the last minute.

Comedian Stephen K Amos has had to be drafted in as a last-minute replacement for Skinner who pulled out of the show on Monday.

The show at the Assembly Rooms, which was due to start this evening, was set to host some of the biggest stars that have appeared at the venue in the last 30 years.

The plethora of star guests due to appear over the course of the Fringe including Alan Cumming, Clive Anderson, Alistair McGowan, Mel Smith, Steven Berkoff, Omid Djalili, Jenny Eclair, Jo Brand, Julian Clary, Barry Cryer and Lee Mack.

In a statement Skinner said: ‘It's a great shame about The Talk Show. My bags were packed, my train ticket was in my pocket, and I was very excited about the whole thing.

‘It became apparent there were some brilliant people lined up but way too many gaps. It seems it was harder to put together than anyone thought. I'm genuinely gutted about it.’