George Melly dies

We've just heard of the death of George Melly, comic strip writer, raconteur and jazz singer. A fuller obituary will follow.

Melly melee

Some worrying news from Sussex. Last night George Melly collapsed on stage in Hove; he was taken to the Royal Sussex County. His wife says that he was probably hyper-thirsty:

Speaking from their home in Shepherd's Bush, west London, his wife, Diana Melly, 69, said: "I believe he became dehydrated during the performance and just collapsed.

"He has been taking some new medication and I suspect it might have something to do with that."

Trooper that he is, it took his granddaughter to stop him going back on stage and see him of to hospital instead.

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