Ted Robbins: Phoenix Nights actor stable after collapsing on stage and being rushed to hospital

Mr Robbins' condition was described as 'stable'

Comedian Ted Robbins collapsed on stage during a performance of Phoenix Nights Live at Manchester Arena (Rex) (Rex)

Actor Ted Robbins was rushed to hospital after collapsing on stage during the opening night of a live version of Peter Kay’s comedy, Phoenix Nights.

The show at the Manchester Arena was cancelled as staff rushed onto stage with medical equipment. Robbins, 59, who plays Den Perry in the show, was later taken to hospital where his condition was described as "stable". Some audience members had initially believed his fall had been part of the show before seeing the curtain quickly went down.

Robbins was still in hospital on Sunday afternoon, but was described as "doing well".

His sister Kate Robbins said: “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 revival of the show is part of a 15-performance run being staged in aid of Comic Relief. Every show has sold out.

A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said paramedics were called to the arena at 9.46pm following reports of the collapse and “took a male to Wythenshawe Hospital”.

Robbins, who is a second cousin of ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has also appeared in Brookside, Doctors, Holby City, Little Britain and Coronation Street.