COMEDIAN Alan Snell had to launch his new video from a hospital bed after he took ill on stage.

The North-East funnyman suffered stomach pains a few minutes into his appearance in Easington, County Durham, and had to call a halt to his show.

Mr Snell, 65, is recovering in North Tyneside General Hospital, where he is undergoing tests.

Gateshead-born Mr Snell said: "I was not feeling at all well when I went on stage, but I thought I would be able to get through the act.

"I had only done a few minutes when the stomach pains became totally unbearable and I had to explain to the audience I could not continue.

"I think some of them thought I was joking, but then realised I was really ill.

"I am feeling much better, but they will not let me go home until they are sure everything is okay."

Mr Snell, who lives in North Tyneside with his wife, Sylvia, was planning to launch his video this week but has decided not to let his stay in hospital delay it