COMEDIAN Eddie Large, who helped raise thousands of pounds for Evening Star-backed charities, was today being treated for a serious heart problem in an East Anglian hospital.

By Tracey Sparling

COMEDIAN Eddie Large, who helped raise thousands of pounds for Evening Star-backed charities, was today being treated for a serious heart problem in an East Anglian hospital.

The television star, famous for his double act with Syd Little, was being treated at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, which specialises in cardiac disease.

Reports said the 60-year-old had suffered a suspected heart attack, and he had had to pull out of a performance at the last minute a week ago, after feeling unwell.

Eddie had been due to appear and be honoured, at the Variety Club Awards, in Bristol, where he lived for many years.

He now lives in Clapton-in-Gordano, north Somerset, after a showbiz career spanning 40 years.

He first teamed up with Syd Little in 1963, after they bumped into each other in a pub in Manchester. Their slapstick comedy helped them win Opportunity Knocks in 1971.

Since leaving the BBC in 1991, they continued giving live shows in clubs and theatres.

In June 2000, Eddie was master of ceremonies at the Evening Star Millennium Press Ball auction, which raised thousands of pounds for deserving local children.

The funny man was deadly serious in his quest to smash the target of raising £5,000 by auctioning prizes including return flights to world destinations, your height in beer, and a signed Michael Owen shirt.

A hospital spokeswoman said he was "stable but improving," today.

His wife of 30 years Patsy is at his bedside.