The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has been pictured in his hospital bed, as wife Victoria May Clarke shared an update after musician Imelda May paid a visit.

Imelda is the latest in a slew of stars to visit the 'Fairytale of New York' singer, who is currently in hospital as he continues treatment after being diagnosed with viral encephalitis last year. Other visitors have included Bono and The Edge, Moya Brennan, Damien Dempsey, Daniel O’Donnell, Mundy, and Bobby Gillespie, who have all been to see Shane as he rests in hospital.

Sharing the touching embrace between Imelda and Shane, his wife Victoria posted an image on X (formerly Twitter) as she wrote: "Shane is so happy to see ⁦@ImeldaOfficial!!! ⁦@ShaneMacGowan @poguesofficial."

Fans have replied to the post featuring Shane and Imelda on X, as one wrote: "God love him. A brilliant Irish man to the core. Wrote some of the best lyrics ever written." Another echoed their thoughts as they shared: "God bless you Shane , a true music legend." A third wrote: "This is touching to see and marvellous that's he's improving daily and gaining strength. Best wishes to you all."

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The post from Victoria comes after she shared a health update for fans, almost a year after the singer was taken into hospital. Writing on X, she said: "Love and prayers for everyone who is struggling right now. Hang in there!" She also attached a photo of Shane to her post as she gave his fans a look at the ill musician who is now using breathing tubes.

The 65-year-old music star is said to be suffering from viral encephalitis – which is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. Since December last year, Shane has been receiving treatment, with his wife often giving updates about him via social media. The Pogues frontman has been in intensive care since September this year, but there are hopes he will be well enough to be discharged before Christmas.

On Friday, Victoria shared a hopeful message as she wrote: "Shane is feeling much better today! I am so grateful to everyone who is willing to get home for the Christmas! @ShaneMacGowan @poguesofficial @EtainsDream."

Victoria, who married MacGowan in 2018, has also previously spoken about activities the couple used to enjoy which are no longer easy to accomplish, as she previously shared in an interview: "We take it day by day and do whatever we can to stay positive. It means life has changed and it’s curtailed in lots of ways. Things you might have taken for granted – like going on holidays or even going to a movie or going anywhere – that becomes very difficult."

She added: "It’s a two-way thing. I feel lucky to have found him. He has always inspired me. He is such a beautiful, bright, funny, intelligent, interesting person. I feel like I’m never going to get bored with him. There is always something that surprises me about Shane. We take it day by day and do whatever we can to stay positive."

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