IN his heyday Danny La Rue entertained sell-out audiences in London's West End and laid the foundations for a glittering career in the entertainment business.

Today supporters of Danny, who has made Southampton his home for the last 20 years, have denied he has frittered away his considerable fortune.

They have condemned reports describing the 78-year-old female impersonator as homeless, broke, out of work and dependent on charitable donations.

John Adrian, of the theatrical charity The Grand Order of Water Rats, which provides financial help to any of its 180 showbusiness members on request, confirmed Danny had not received any money.

"As far as I am concerned he is not receiving any money from us.

"We held a tribute luncheon for Danny in February, which he attended at The Savoy in London, but we were not raising money for him.

"We hold tribute luncheons for different members to thank them for what they have done."

Mr Adrian said if anyone belonging to the 117-year-old exclusive fraternity, whose members include magician Paul Daniels and Allo Allo star Gordon Kaye, did make a request for financial assistance they would remain anonymous.

The flamboyant star, whose money-spinning career peaked during the 1960s with hundreds of sell-out performances, is currently recovering from a stroke in Kent after falling ill in January.

He is being cared for by his costume designer and good friend Ann Galbraith but his publicist and close friend Pat Lake-Smith is optimistic he will return to the stage later this year.

"Danny works because he loves it," she said - scotching rumours that he needs to work to earn money.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Daily Echo she said: "Danny's prime concern is getting better.

"He is definitely looking forward to getting back to work when the hospital specialist advises.

"He has not been left paralysed or with speech problems but was described as 'debilitated'."

Two years ago Danny made £30,000 by selling off some of his antiques in preparation for moving to a smaller house, although at the time he said he did not want to leave the city where he still has a bungalow.

He told the Daily Echo: "Friends say to me: 'Whatever do you want to live in Southampton for?' But I love it - it's wonderful."

Two years ago he put the £525,000 property on the market. It has still to be sold.

In the past Danny has owned a top London nightclub, two hotels, a French Chateau and luxurious homes in Hampstead and Henley-on-Thames.