Chris Rea is said to be in a "stable" condition after collapsing on stage in the middle of a song.

The Driving Home For Christmas hitmaker was on stage in Oxford when he suddenly collapsed and began shaking on the floor, according to fans.

He suffered a stroke last year and was nearing the end of a 37-venue tour.

An ambulance spokeswoman confirmed to Mirror Online that the singer was "stable" when he was seen to by paramedics.

She said: "We were called to George Street in Oxford at 9.30pm this evening.

(Image: Redferns)

"We sent an ambulance to the scene. One patient was taken to hospital.

"The patient was stable."

Panicked fans took to Twitter to share the news.

One said: "I'm at the New Theatre Oxford. Moments after I took this photo Chris Rea collapsed on stage. Fell backwards after shaking and struggling to hold the microphone."

Another wrote: "bludy hell.. Chris Rea just collapsed on stage!"

One concerned fan tweeted: "The evening had been brilliant up till now with Chris on top form but Chris Rea has just collapsed on stage at the New Theatre Oxford where I'm watching him. Fell backwards in a clump on the stage. Really doesn't look good. I'm quite upset."

"Ambulance just took Chris Rea," said another.

One wrote: "Feeling devastated. While watching one of my guitar heroes, Chris Rea, play tonight, he just collapsed about an hour into his set. Ambulance took him away. Please pray that he is okay."

(Image: Redferns) (Image: Redferns)

Representatives from the New Theatre Oxford later took to Twitter to issue a statement.

They wrote: "We massively appreciate everyone's patience who attended the Chris Rea performance this evening. Please bear with the venue team whilst we seek further updates for you. As soon as we have more news we will of course let everyone know."

Earlier this year, Chris opened up about his health battles to Gazette Live.

The 66-year-old Middlesbrough-born musician, who battled pancreatic cancer in the early 2000s, admitted: “I just keep having the worst luck in the world. I’m still getting the affects from 15 years ago - because I didn’t die!”

And telling how he had a stroke “this time last year”, he said he stopped smoking at the same time.

He smiled: “I was on a LOT of cigarettes!

“I’ve sung my first song without a cigarette - that was very strange.

“I’m fine when I’m sitting down. I’ve just got a bit of balance that’s dodgy, in case someone thinks I’m drunk on stage.”

Saying two of his fingers were affected by the stroke, he added: “Music is a kind of therapy because you have to make yourself do it.

“I’m having to practise. There’s things I’ve never thought playing ever before.”

Mirror Online has contacted Chris' representatives for comment.