England hero Stuart Pearce recovering in Canadian hospital after suffering medical emergency on board flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow

Pearce was flying on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow when he suffered a medical emergency. His partner and fellow passengers spotted him wincing in pain. The staff on board checked on him constantly before the flight's course was changed, and it made an emergency landing at St John’s in Canada. Medics rushed into the flight and the 62-year-old was then taken to a hospital where he is currently recovering.

A source close to The Sun said: "He was clearly in a lot of pain. Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued. He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort. It was very clear the situation was serious. The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous. He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada."

The former Nottingham Forest and Manchester City star, who now works as a pundit for talkSPORT, visited Vegas to watch his rugby league team Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors. He was due to speak at Christ The King Parish Centre in Coventry on Thursday but due to the unfortunate circumstances, he was replaced by ex-England teammate John Barnes.

While the England legend continues to recover at the Canadian hospital, the remaining 225 passengers were then flown to Heathrow, with their arrival delayed by six hours.