Fordham suffered in the Circus Tavern heat

Fordham was unable to complete his challenge match against rival world champion Phil Taylor at Purfleet after suffering breathing difficulties.

His British Darts Organisation title defence is due to begin on New Year's Day at Surrey's Lakeside Country Club.

BDO spokesman Robert Holmes said: "It's still six weeks away, and there's no doubt that Andy will be there."

Fordham, who weighs around 30 stone, was losing 5-2 to Professional Darts Corporation champion Taylor at the Circus Tavern when he was taken ill.

Holmes said: "I've spoken to Andy and he's obviously very disappointed about the whole thing.

"Although he was 5-2 down, he felt he was just starting to play well and growing increasingly confident.

"After starting the year with his win at the Lakeside, Andy has had a few setbacks, and this was another one.

"But it has made him even more determined to return to Frimley Green and defend his title in January."

Fordham is due to undergo a full medical this week ahead of his participation in the ITV series Celebrity Fit Club, in which he will attempt to shed several stones.

Holmes added: "No-one can pretend Andy is not overweight, but I've known him for 10 years and have never seen him have problems like this.

"I really don't think the the Circus Tavern was a suitable venue for Sunday's event.

"It's an intimate cabaret club with a low ceiling, and with a crowd that size and all the TV lights they brought in, it must have been like a furnace in there."

The Essex nightspot hosts the PDC version of the world championship which begins on 26 December.