Lily Allen’s interest in women’s literature has proved a passing fad - she’s pulled out of judging the Orange Prize due to “ill health”.

The pop star became the youngest ever member of the prestigious women’s literature award’s judging panel when named last December.

However, after only managing to make the long-list meeting last month by phone, and didn’t attend the shortlist discussions last week at all.

A spokesperson for Allen said ill health was behind her departure, even though that hasn’t seemed to stop her presenting her risible TV chat show in recent months - more‘s the pity.

"It is with deep regret that Lily Allen has withdrawn from the judging panel,” they explain.

"Lily had read extensively for the first stage of the judging process and was looking forward to the shortlist meeting but recently found that she was unable to commit 100 per cent to the role due to ill-health.”

Orange Prize co-founder Kate Mosse, who went to great lengths to champion Allen’s appearance on the panel, added, “We are very sad that she is not able to continue."

(by C Taylor)