CHRIS Rea is said to be in a stable condition after collapsing at a concert on Saturday night.

The Middlesbrough-born musician was taken to hospital in an ambulance following his collapse, which happened mid-performance at a gig in Oxford.

Fans reportedly watched as the 66-year-old star – famous for a number of hits, including Driving Home for Christmas – suddenly fell to the floor and began shaking.

The singer-songwriter, who suffered a stroke last year, was nearing the end of a 37-venue tour when he collapsed on stage at the New Theatre Oxford.

The audience was told soon afterwards that the gig had been cancelled, with the venue later issuing a statement to say: “We massively appreciate everyone’s patience who attended the Chris Rea performance this evening.

“Please bear with the venue team while we seek further updates for you.

“As soon as we have more news we will of course let everyone know.”

A spokeswoman for the South Central Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 9.30pm to attend to an incident in George Street in Oxford.

“We had an ambulance crew on scene and one patient has now been taken to hospital.”

She told The Mirror that Mr Rea had been in a stable condition when attended to by paramedics.