Attenborough stable after fall

Film veteran Richard Attenborough remains in a stable condition after spending Christmas in hospital, where he is being treated after a fall.

A spokesman at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London, confirmed today that his condition remains stable after his accident before Christmas.

Lord Attenborough, 85, had to pull out of a plaque-unveiling ceremony to honour 'Brief Encounter' star Celia Johnson on December 18.

He has championed the British film business through its triumphs and trials for more than 60 years as actor, Oscar-winning director and prolific filmmaker.

'Gandhi' is the highlight of his career, clinching eight Oscars, including best film and best director.

As an actor he was respected enough for top directors Satyajit Ray and Steven Spielberg to lure him out of self-imposed retirement to appear respectively in 'The Chess Players' and the blockbuster 'Jurassic Park'.

Tragedy struck on St Stephen's Day 2004 when his elder daughter Jane Holland, her daughter Lucy, and her mother-in-law, also named Jane, were killed in the south-Asian tsunami.

Lord Attenborough lives in Richmond upon Thames and married the actress Sheila Sim when he was 21. His son Michael was born in 1949, followed by daughters Jane and Charlotte.

He is the older brother of TV wildlife presenter David Attenborough.