Singer Melly collapses on stage

Melly is famous for his colourful personality and husky voice

Jazz singer George Melly has been taken to hospital after collapsing on stage.

The 80-year-old was performing on Thursday at the Old Market in Hove, East Sussex, when he slumped over and had to be helped away.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and kept in overnight while being treated for suspected dehydration.

His wife said he is expected to make a full recovery and will be returning to the stage on 10 February.

The Liverpool-born entertainer and writer has been suffering from health problems including emphysema and lung cancer.

Speaking from their home in Shepherd's Bush, west London, his wife, Diana Melly, 69, said: "I believe he became dehydrated during the performance and just collapsed.

"He has been taking some new medication and I suspect it might have something to do with that."

His 20-year-old grand-daughter was in the audience and stopped him trying to return to the stage, instead accompanying him to hospital.