Tens of thousands of people have watched scenes of the comedian collapsing from a heart attack during a live TV performance in 1984.

Most of the audience watching the London Weekend Television variety show Live From her Majesty's, thought it was part of his act and were still laughing, until it became apparent he was seriously ill.

Although YouTube has been alerted to clip, the video sharing site has not removed it. It does highlight users that it is potentially "inappropriate" content however.

Philip Davies, the Tory MP who sits on the Commons culture, media and sport select committee, said: "Most people would find that tasteless," he said. "Everybody knows he died on stage. I don't think we need to see this to be reminded of that.

"They ought to have some regard to his family. It does YouTube a discredit.

"If they have decided that this is the sort of material that people should be free to watch then I think they should reconsider."

John Beyer, from Mediawatch UK, said: "This is very poor taste. That the broadcasters have not repeated the incident show they have a respect for him and I think that ought to apply also on YouTube.

"I wish YouTube and user content sites would have a bit more responsibility at the centre, rather than just expect people at the periphery to control things.

"They should take it all down out of respect for Mr Cooper and his remaining family."