'Overheated' host passes out on live TV

US TV host Wendy Williams has collapsed during a live taping of a Halloween-themed special after she “overheated” while wearing a costume.

Williams was filming her show’s annual “How You Doin’ Halloween Costume Contest” this morning when the accident occurred.

Returning from an ad break Williams, 53, can be heard pausing and slurring her words.

Suddenly she stares goggle-eyed at the camera, before stumbling back and falling to the stage.

A stagehand can briefly be seen racing over to attend her before the show cuts to a break.

Williams, who was dressed in a State of Liberty costume at the time of the accident, reappeared after to explain what had happened.

"That was not a stunt," she told the show’s live audience.

"I overheated in my costume. I did pass out.

“But you know what? I'm a champ and I'm back."

The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated infotainment talk show created by Williams, an actress, author and former radio personality.

The show has been airing since 2008.