Show recording abandoned

Frank Skinner will host his chat show live tonight - after dropping out of Friday's recording.

The comic - named top entertainment personality at the British Comedy Awards last night - couldn't go on with the show after contracting a stomach bug.

But he is said to be recovering well from the painful virus and "will be fit and ready to perform tonight".

But producers will have to find new guests as the original celebrities Bob Monkhouse and Hear'Say, were both due to fly abroad before tonight.

A spokesman said: "Frank should be OK to go live, but we are desperate to find celebrities at such short notice. We might even end up with The Krankies."

Published: 16 Dec 2001