UPDATE: Maria Venuti has regained consciousness but is still in a critical condition and unable to speak, reports 9 News.
EARLIER: Effervescent Australian singer and entertainer Maria Venuti is believed to be in an induced coma after she suffered a stroke in Sydney.
Venuti, 75, had the stroke at her Gladesville home on Saturday morning and was hospitalised, reports Seven News.
It is reported that the health complication followed an incident which saw the Fat Pizza star confront and intruder on her property that same day.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports a 38-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment.
Police have declined to comment on rumours that the man may have been a stalker who forced his way into her home.
Ms Venuti’s daughter Bianca has taken to social media and has asked for “prayers, mantras and good vibes for Maria over the next few days”.
“The doctors need 24 hours to ascertain what has happened and to come to decisions on what needs to be done,” she posted.
