TED Robbins is “doing well” in hospital after he collapsed while performing at the first Phoenix Nights Live show at Manchester Arena.

The 59-year-old, who plays Den Perry in the hit show, was in the middle of a solo section in the second half of the show on Saturday when he clutched his chest, stumbled, and fell to the ground.

The curtain was closed as staff rushed to his side with medical equipment, as well as a quick-thinking doctor from the audience who is said to have saved the comic’s life, and the show was cancelled.

The venue said that tonight's show, on Sunday, was due to go ahead as planned, with 13 more performances scheduled.

Peter Kay, who plays Brian Potter, sent his best wishes to his co-star.

On his Facebook page, he said: "My thoughts, prayers and love to Ted, Judy and all of the family.

"So happy that Ted is in right place and getting the care he needs. Thanks to the audience, cast and crew for being so understanding last night xxxx"

One of those in the crowd on the night was Gail Hounslea, from Bradshaw, the managing director of Bolton business Ladderstore, who had bought tickets for her sister’s birthday.

Mrs Hounslea, aged 50, said: “It was going really well, there was a bit before it when he came onto the stage, and the story was that he had been in Strangeways prison.

“But he just dropped to the floor, and at first everyone thought it was just part of the show.

“The curtain was put across the stage, but everyone still thought it was part of the act. It went on for about three or four minutes, until an announcement was made, saying that the show had to be cancelled.

“The bit before he came on had a disco, and everyone was up and dancing, so it went from one extreme to the other.

Dave Spikey and Paddy McGuinness hadn’t been on stage yet, so it was disappointing not to see the end of the show, but obviously everyone was more concerned about how Ted Robbins was.”

In a post on Facebook, Mr Robbins’ wife Judy thanked well-wishers for their messages of support, and said her husband was recovering in Wythenshawe Hospital.

She also appealed for anyone who knows the identity of a quick-thinking doctor, who was in the audience and saved Mr Robbins’ life, to come forward.

She said: “He is in some pain due to bruising on his ribs from chest compressions but other than that he is doing well.

“Ted had rheumatic fever when he was a child which left him with some heart damage so we have always been aware that he would need a routine procedure to correct.

“We are so incredibly grateful for everyone's support and we would love more than anything to find out who the doctor was out of the audience who have such fantastic treatment.”

Mr Robbins’ sister Kate said that her brother was smiling in hospital when she was reading him messages from well-wishers.

On Twitter, Paddy McGuinness, who plays doorman Paddy, said yesterday: “Inundated with warm wishes for Ted Robbins. A massive thank you to the fantastic medical team who saved Ted's life.

“Tonight's show will be going ahead, if we didn't Ted would kick our arses. Lots of love for the big man. The Phoenix will rise again!”

Toby Foster, who plays Les from backing band Les Alanos, addressed the audience to confirm that the show had been cancelled.

He said: “I am afraid we’re going to have to postpone the show tonight as obviously we have more important things to do.”

Peter Kay and the rest of the original cast have reunited for the shows to raise money for Comic Relief.

Mr Robbins was taking to the stage to reprise his role as the show’s villain, the owner of a rival social club who burned down the Phoenix Club at the end of the first series.

In a long acting career, Mr Robbins has appeared in TV shows including Coronation Street, Holby City and Little Britain, and is currently playing Barry Quid in the revival of Birds of a Feather.

He has five children, and lives with his wife in Crawshawbooth.

  • Do you know the doctor who helped Ted Robbins? Contact The Bolton News on 01204 537271 or email newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk