Comedian Spike Milligan was said to be recovering today after being rushed to hospital with severe kidney failure.

The veteran funnyman was admitted to the private Cromwell Hospital in west London on Friday.

The 82-year-old - who found fame in the Fifties with The Goons Show, a favourite of Prince Charles - is said to have complained of severe stomach pains while at home with wife Shelagh near Rye.

He was discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for blood poisoning and is said to be recovering at home.

A hospital spokeswoman said doctors closely monitored the star's condition after discovering blood poisoning caused by kidney failure.