One of the UK's best-loved entertainers, 63-year-old comedian Tommy Cooper, died after collapsing on stage during a live TV show broadcast from the West End.

The veteran comic, best known for his trademark fez, catchphrase “just like that” and his failed magic tricks, collapsed half way through his act as part of ITV’s variety show, Live at Her Majesty's.

Thinking it was part of the act the audience laughed and applauded, but it quickly became clear that Cooper was seriously ill.

With the curtain lowered and the broadcast turned over to a commercial break, he was rushed the short distance from the theatre in Haymarket to nearby Charing Cross Hospital.

However, had had suffered a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead soon afterwards.