Steve Martin and Martin Short have postponed their two London shows that were supposed to take place at the Royal Albert Hall at the weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Martin's band The Steep Canyon Rangers posted a picture of themselves, including Steve Martin and Martin Short, plus the following paragraph, on Instagram: "We’ve cancelled the last half of the UK tour and are grateful to be back in the states, via Greenland. Still trying to get used to this no hugging thing, though. The music won’t stop, it’ll just be a minute til we’re all together again, be well and take care til then. #steepcanyonrangers"

Comedy veterans Martin and Short had already postponed their The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment gig in Belfast on Thursday night. Steve Martin posted on Twitter at the time: "Dear Belfast ticket-holders, in light of the ever-evolving global situation, Marty and I have decided to postpone our Belfast show until happier times. Last night’s thrilling Dublin show turns out to be our sad farewell – for a while – to our beautiful Ireland and Scotland tour."

BTJ is waiting to hear when the dates will be rescheduled. The Belfast announcement suggested that they will be back. The See Tickets website currently says that the shows have been postponed and is telling ticketholders: "We will contact you as soon as a new date has been confirmed."

They are the latest Americans to cut their visit short. Catherine Cohen only played one night of her Bush Hall run this week and US-based Norwegian Daniel Simonsen cancelled his Bill Murray gig.