Peter Kay’s ‘Phoenix Nights’ live show has reportedly been cancelled after Ted Robbins collapsed on stage.
The 59-year-old actor and comedian was performing as his character Den Perry for the show’s opening night at Manchester’s Phones4U Arena on Saturday (31.01.15) when he fell to the floor with the stage curtain immediately being dropped.
Co-stars are then reported to have come on stage to inform the 20,000-strong audience the incident was not part of the performance, and that the show had been cancelled for the evening.
BBC journalist Ian Shoesmith was in the crowd and said: "Everyone initially thought it was part of the act, but then my wife said: ‘No, this is real, this is serious.’
"They brought the curtain down and then someone said everyone had to leave the building as there was an emergency going on. There was just a stunned silence."
The venue has now released a statement saying the broadcaster is in a "stable condition" and is receiving treatment.
The Manchester Arena Twitter account said: "Official venue statement: Ted Robbins collapsed during the performance of Phoenix Nights Live this evening at @McrArena . . .
". . . He’s been taken by ambulance to hospital and is in a stable condition."
Among the crowd was the star’s sister, Kate Robbins, who tweeted following the incident to confirm he had been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
She wrote: "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."
The stage version of the comedy sitcom was originally set to run for only two dates to raise money for fundraising campaign Comic Relief, but it was later extended to a 15-show run due to overwhelming demand.
‘Coronation Street’ actress Kym Marsh is among stars who have sent their well-wishes to the actor and BBC radio presenter, tweeting, "Just heard about Ted Robbins!!! Really hope he’s ok." while ‘This Morning’ host Eamonn Holmes wrote he "will say a prayer."
Ted Robbins collapses on stage
