FANS have sent Morrissey a 'get-well soon' message after the Smiths legend was rushed to hospital following a dramatic collapse on stage.

The 50-year-old singer was performing at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon on Saturday when he slumped to his knees.

He was taken to hospital and kept in overnight - before being allowed out yesterday in a 'much improved' condition.

It later emerged he had suffered breathing difficulties. A statement on his official website said he was 'stable after his collapse' and wanted to thank concerned fans.

Phill Gatenby - whose book Panic on the Streets details Smiths-related landmarks around Manchester - said he had seen Morrissey play a gig in Birmingham the night before.

"There didn't seem to be anything wrong," he said. "But he struggled with one song which was one called Life is a Pigsty as there were a couple of high notes he didn't seem able to hit.

"Then when I heard he had collapsed the following day I was shocked.

"All the fans are concerned about him and we just want him to get well."

Fans at the Swindon gig said Morrissey had fallen unwell after a rendition of Smiths favourite This Charming Man. Two band members rushed to his aid and helped him off the stage.

He was taken to the Great Western hospital in Swindon where a spokeswoman for Great Western Hospital NHS Trust said: "Morrissey became unwell on Saturday night and was admitted as a precautionary measure.

"He was seen by a medical team and when he was much improved, was discharged home at around noon on Sunday."

Fan Jillian Moody said the crowd did not realise initially how serious it was and expected the singer to return to the stage.

She said: "It was interesting because a lot of people around us had bought tickets for Morrissey concerts earlier in the year.

"He has cancelled numerous concerts so they just thought that he had gone off but would be returning.

"He kept putting his hand up to his mouth as if he felt sick or... perhaps he was trying to hide something, but he didn't look particularly comfortable."

In May this year, the singer cancelled several tour dates due to ill-health.