Star Houston taken ill on flight

Houston was on her way to Spain for a holiday

Singer Whitney Houston fell ill on a flight to Paris and was taken to hospital with suspected food poisoning on Thursday, her publicist said.

"Whitney Houston was rushed to a hospital in Paris because of severe vomiting. She was sick on the aircraft," said Nancy Seltzer.

"She is doing well. She has gastroenteritis," she added.

It was not thought Houston, 41, who has a history of drug problems, would need to be admitted to the hospital.

Houston had been travelling from Los Angeles to Spain for a holiday when the flight made a scheduled stop in Paris.

From the airport she was taken to the American Hospital in Paris for a check-up, but her condition was not thought to be serious.

Houston, who has won six Grammy Awards, has had a troubled private life in recent years which has overshadowed her musical achievements.

She entered a drug rehabilitation centre last year for undisclosed treatment.

Husband Bobby Brown spent time in jail in 2004 for parole violation, and received a suspended sentence for missing child support payments.

Houston is expected to begin work soon recording her seventh studio album.