Jesse MetcalfeFormer Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe was hospitalised in London on Monday after falling from a balcony after the World Music Awards on Sunday night.

The actor co-hosted the ceremony with former Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams but afterwards slipped through a gap at an after-party and fell 40ft (12metres) to the ground.

He was initially treated by emergency services in Monaco, where the event took place, before flying to London from Nice on Monday. He was taken straight to hospital in the UK and was kept in for observation.

A spokesperson for the star confirmed the incident, saying: “Midway through the aftershow party on Sunday night he headed back to his hotel to change out of his suit so he could be more comfortable. On his way back he slipped 40 feet and was knocked unconscious. He was immediately taken to a hospital in Monaco and given X-rays.

“Doctors didn’t speak much English so as soon as we landed in London yesterday we had him re-examined at a London hospital.

“I have just come from the hospital and he is baring up ok. He has not broken anything but can barely walk as he hasn’t got much movement in his legs. They wanted to keep him in overnight so he could have a MRI test.

“Jesse knows he’s had a very lucky escape. The accident could have been fatal.”