Legendary pianist Russ Conway was last night seriously ill in a Sussex hospital.

Known as the housewife's choice, Mr Conway, aged 75, was found collapsed at his Eastbourne home.

Close friend David More said the star, who had three number one hits in the Fifties and Sixties, was suffering from cancer.

He said: "Russ was found unconscious at his home. We think he had a fall. He was taken to hospital and it seems he is suffering from brain cancer.

"It's very serious and we are all devastated.

"He is awake. The doctors say he is responding to treatment."

Mr More, who has known Mr Conway for 30 years, said he and a number of his friends had been to visit the musician, who is in Eastbourne District General Hospital.

He said: "He has already received a lot of get-well-soon cards. He keeps asking where they are all coming from and we are hoping more will come in.

"He is a true star and all his friends are worried about him."

Among those who have visited Mr Conway are fellow veteran entertainers Jess Conrad, Joan Regan and Dennis Lotis.

A hospital spokesman said the entertainer was receiving treatment in the Michelham Ward and was in a stable condition. The spokesman refused to give details of his illness.

Mr Conway, who for the past 17 years has lived in a Spanish-style house in Hampden Park, recovered from an operation to remove a stomach cancer in 1990.

He later launched the Russ Conway Cancer Fund which has raised about £80,000 for children suffering from cancer-related illnesses.

Bad luck struck again when stomach complications followed his initial illness. He was rushed back into hospital.

Four years ago, the stomach operation had to be repeated. The cancer did not return and he was given the all-clear.

A stroke two years ago brought fears Mr Conway, whose real name is Trevor Stanford, might never play again but he was to make yet another comeback.

Mr Conway, who was once engaged but never married, sprung to fame on the Billy Cotton Band Show in 1958. He recorded a total of 17 consecutive hits and sold more than 30 million records including chart-toppers Side Saddle, Roulette and China Tea.

He recently recorded an album and performed a sell-out gig at Eastbourne's Congress Theatre to mark his 75th birthday.

Another friend, who asked not to be named, said: "Russ is a very private person and would not want people to know what is really the matter with him.

"He is the kind of person who wouldn't want to worry his friends or his fans."