BAKER Street singer Gerry Rafferty was seriously ill in hospital after collapsing five days ago, it emerged today.

The Scottish songwriter was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital with suspected kidney failure.

A statement released by Rafferty's family today said: ``He is comfortable and with close family.''

The singer has received treatment for liver failure in the past.

Rafferty's fiancee, Enzina Fuschini, said ``Gerry is strong and I'm praying he pulls through.''

Rafferty fell ill and collapsed at home on Friday night, but his condition had improved since he was admitted to hospital.

A spokeswoman for The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ``The trust is not in a position to confirm personal details about individuals for reasons of patient confidentiality.''

In February last year, solicitors for the singer released a statement which said he was ``extremely well'' and composing new songs at his home in Italy.

The statement was released after reports that friends had not heard from him since he ``disappeared'' six months before while being treated at a London hospital for liver failure.

Rafferty, who has recently been living in Poole, is best known for the 1978 song Baker Street but also had a huge hit in 1972 with Stuck in the Middle With You with his band Stealers Wheel.