An Essex mum whose waters broke during a live Michael McIntyre show questioned whether her favourite comedian would trigger labour while travelling to the event.

Cara Brown, of Clacton, had been laughing throughout the Happy and Glorious show at the O2 in London on Thursday when she realised that little Demmie Louise Gillmore was preparing to make her arrival.

The mum-of-five was helped out of the arena and despite being advised to attend a hospital in the capital, she made her way to Colchester General Hospital so her partner Steven Gillmore, who was on a night shift, could be there for the birth.

Little Demmie was then born on Saturday morning weighing 5lb 1oz – she is receiving specialist care as she was born at 34 weeks but is doing well.

Miss Brown said she believes laughing so hard during the gig contributed to her waters breaking. She added: “It’s really surreal. The funny thing is on the way there I thought the way he makes me laugh, will I go into labour?”

After the birth, Miss Brown made sure that McIntyre was aware of what had happened, informing him on his Facebook page.

She was visited by his tour manager in hospital on Monday, who gave her a card and flowers. “I want our story in one of the future tours,” she said.

Miss Brown has also thanked staff at the O2 for their help on Thursday night.