'French Elvis' Hallyday has heart tests after fall

One of the biggest stars in France is facing a race against time to be fit for a multi-million-pound tour next month.

Johnny Hallyday, 66, is having tests on his heart at a Paris hospital after dislocating a hip in a fall on his yacht in the Riviera.

The crooner, known as the "French Elvis" when he started as a rock '*' roll singer in the Fifties, is said to be exhausted and "needs plenty of rest".

He announced his retirement from touring two years ago, but not until next year, after selling 100million records.

He has never been a major part of the British or American rock scenes. But one of Hallyday's great claims to fame is that Jimi Hendrix was his support act in 1966.

Hallyday is 12 years older than his friend, president Nicolas Sarkozy, but is just as keen on maintaining a youthful image. Both are renowned for their power workouts, constant dieting and "trophy" wives.

Now both have been ordered to rest. Mr Sarkozy, who collapsed while jogging last week, has just started a three week break in the South of France with his wife Carla Bruni.

He was expected to phone Hallyday in hospital. "They get on very well and are frequently in touch," said an Elysée Palace source.