Coronation Street's Blanche in hospital after surgery

Published on Tuesday 13 October 2009 22:05

CORONATION Street actress Maggie Jones is ill in hospital after major surgery.

Ms Jones, 75, who plays battle-axe Blanche Hunt, had an operation on Saturday and remains in Hope Hospital, Salford, Greater Manchester. Jones, who is a widow, has been written out of all immediate scenes, a spokeswoman said.

"We are all hoping and wishing the best for Maggie, who is much loved by everyone at Coronation Street," she said.

She was ruled out of filming for several weeks last April when she hurt her knee and shoulder during a fall. Famous for her withering put-downs and trademark scowl, Blanche is one of the show's most popular characters.

Fellow Coronation Street veteran Bill Tarmey, who plays Jack Duckworth, said his thoughts are with the actress.

He said: "She is a delight, she is wonderful and I am just hoping she will be OK. We just sit and laugh together and I need her to get better otherwise I will be sitting on my own."

A publicist for the show said Jones's condition had improved. She said everyone at the soap was encouraged by the latest news.

She added: "There has been an improvement this afternoon in Maggie's condition and she seems to have turned a bit of a corner."