PHOENIX Nights fans erupted in applause after a surprise appearance of smiling comic Ted Robbins on the mend in his hospital bed.

Sunday's Manchester Arena matinee show was rescheduled for those in the audience who witnessed the distressing collapse of the comedian which cut-short the opening night.

The relieved comedian smiled and waved as he was pictured on a giant screen at the end of the show with co-stars Peter Kay, Paddy McGuinness and Dave Spikey gathered on stage.

Fans applauded as Robbins was shown on the video screen wearing a blue hospital gown in his bed and giving the thumbs-up.

He had collapsed with heart trouble at the end of the first half of the opening night and it has since been revealed he was suffering a heart condition.

After the show Aoife Clare Byrne, @Kitteekawaii, took to Twitter to say: "So thankful Peter Kay rearranged our show. The half we didn't get to see was amazing & very touching too. Glad to see Ted Robbins doing well" and Josh Callon, @JoshCallon, tweeted: "Phoenix nights was fantastic. Great show of support for Ted Robbins in the finale too #howdareyou #welcometothephoenixclub."

Bolton comedian Kay initially announced just two shows in aid of Comic Relief but another 10 performances were added due to demand.