Ted Robbins collapses on Phoenix Nights Live stage
Actor and comedian Ted Robbins collapsed on stage this evening in Manchester.
He was appearing at the Manchester Arena in the opening night of Phoenix Nights Live, which is due to run for a further 14 dates.
He was rushed to hospital having fallen to the floor during a solo part of the show, clutching his chest. He is now said to be in a stable condition.
Ted Robbins plays Phoenix Nights's villain Den Perry, the man who burned down The Phoenix Club at the centre of the show.
The sitcom ran for two series on Channel 4 in 2001 and 2002, and tonight's performance was the first in a 15-night run of Phoenix Nights Live, reviving the hit comedy in aid of Comic Relief.
Written by Peter Kay, Dave Spikey and Neil Fitzmaurice, the programme starred the trio alongside the likes of Paddy McGuinness, as well as Robbins.
Those who were at the show - being performed in front of a sell-out crowd at the Manchester Arena - reported that Robbins was in the middle of a solo scene, before appearing to clutch his chest and falling to the floor.
The show was immediately stopped, and the curtains closed. The Telegraph reports that co-star Justin Moorhouse addressed the crowd, stating: "We are very sorry. This is not part of the show. I'm afraid we're going to have to postpone the show tonight as obviously we have more important things to do." An ambulance was called, and Robbins was taken to a local hospital.
Kate Robbins, Ted's sister and a also an actor, comedian and impressionist whose work includes Dead Ringers and The Comic Strip Presents..., was in one of the front rows of the audience.
She was heard to exclaim "Oh my God, no!" as she saw her brother lying on the stage and ran from her seat to be with him. She has since tweeted: "My brother Ted was taken ill on stage. He's been taken to a local hospital. Thank you for all your good wishes and concern. He's a fighter".
Both the arena and Ted Robbins's management have released statements thanking those involved for his care, and stating that he is in a stable condition in hospital.
The incident has already drawn comparisons with the death of Tommy Cooper, who suffered a fatal heart attack live on national television in 1984, during a broadcast of ITV's Live From Her Majesty's.
Sid James also suffered a fatal heart attack on stage in 1976, whilst Eric Morecambe and Leonard Rossiter were taken ill in the wings and in a dressing room, respectively.
1st February update: The live shows will continue, but without Robbins. He is said to be 'doing well' in hospital. BBC News update