Coronation Street star Maggie Jones seriously ill

In hospital: Maggie Jones plays Blanche in the soap

Ms Jones, 75, who plays battle-axe Blanche Hunt, had an operation on Saturday and remains in Hope Hospital, Salford, Greater Manchester.

She is said to be "seriously ill" but no details are being released on the type of operation.

The actress did not rupture her spleen in a fall, as has previously been reported, the spokeswoman said.

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

He said: "My beautiful Maggie. 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."