O’Loughlin 'OK' for dance show

Comedian Fiona O’Loughlin is expected to appear on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, despite collapsing on stage last night.

Exhaustion caused by the show’s punishing rehearsal schedule was blamed for her collapse 25 minutes into the Brisbane show.

But that isn’t the whole story – as it emerged that the 45-year-old had ‘one too many drinks’ at a boozy lunch.

The mother of five often jokes about her drinking habit, and apparently told the audience at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre that she was on anti-depressants, too.

In a statement, Australian broadcaster Seven, which will air Dancing With The Stars, said: ‘A combination of exhaustion and one too many drinks during the afternoon caused the incident.

‘During the last month, Fiona O'Loughlin has juggled a heavy dance rehearsal schedule with a national tour of her comedy show

‘Fiona is expected to depart Brisbane today and head to Melbourne to prepare for the premiere of the new series of Dancing With The Stars on Sunday night.’

O’Loughlin, from Alice Springs, is a regular on the international comedy festival circuit, and performed at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Published: 3 Jul 2009