Popular TV presenter Fabrizio Frizzi collapsed yesterday during the recording of his prime-time quiz 'L'eredità' (The Inheritance), ANSA reported.

Frizzi, 59, was taken to hospital, they said. According to initial reports Frizzi is not in a serious condition. Sources said he had had a slight ischaemia.

He was said to be conscious and feeling relatively OK.

Doctors are running him through a barrage of tests, medical sources said.

RAI State broadcaster said Frizzi was in a "stable" condition and undergoing tests at Rome's Umberto I Hospital. RAI Director-General Mario Orfeo visited him last night and this morning, RAI said.

"We spoke and joked," said Orfeo on his way out of the hospital Tuesday morning.