Michael Flatley was admitted to hospital in Australia yesterday before the scheduled opening in Brisbane of his show, Lord of the Dance. There were conflicting reports as to whether the dancer had collapsed during rehearsal or simply admitted himself because of breathing difficulties.
A spokesman, Mr Chris Roche, said in Dublin: "Michael collapsed on stage and was rushed to hospital. They don't know whether it is bronchial asthma or pneumonia he has got, and we won't know that for another 48 hours."
He added: "Three shows in Brisbane have had to be cancelled and the second leg of Michael's Australian tour might have to be called off too."
Reports indicated that Flatley - who shot to fame with his Riverdance Eurovision Song Contest interval act in Dublin three years ago - collapsed during a rehearsal. However, the dancer's European representative, Mr Neil Redding, said last night that he had been released from hospital, but was being treated for an acute chest infection. He denied that Flatley had collapsed, but said he had asked to go to hospital after a Brisbane performance which passed without incident.
After sharing spectacular international success with Riverdance, Flatley was involved in a dispute with his partners and formed his company. His Lord of the Dance show has performed before sell-out audiences worldwide and recorded massive video sales.