Pianist Russ Conway is gravely ill and will not recover, his agent said today.

The entertainer - described as the Queen Mother's favourite pianist - was taken to the Eastbourne General Hospital last week after being found unconscious in his home.

The 75-year-old performer is suffering from cancer.

Mr Conway's agent, Michael Thornton, has now confirmed the star is seriously ill and doctors have warned his condition will not improve.

Only two months ago, Mr Conway packed Eastbourne's Congress Theatre with a nostalgic birthday show.

The star was to have been honoured by showbiz luminaries with a tribute lunch at London's Green Room Club, but it was cancelled after doctors discovered the cancer he had battled successfully in the 1990s had returned.

Mr Conway was admitted to the Michelhan Unit at the hospital under his real name, Trevor Stanford, and his condition was today described as comfortable.

A hospital spokeswoman said: "He would be delighted to receive cards from fans and these can be sent to the hospital."