Corrie star recovering in hospital

Maggie Jones’ condition is “improving”.

The 75-year-old ‘Coronation Street’ star – who plays Blanche Hunt in the ITV soap – is recovering at Hope Hospital in Salford after undergoing an operation on Saturday for an undisclosed condition.

A spokesperson for Granada TV, who make ‘Coronation Street’, said: "She seems to have turned a corner. There has been an improvement in Maggie's condition and we are all encouraged by this news."

Maggie is reportedly still in an intensive care unit, with pals saying the next few days are “crucial”.

Reports she had ruptured her spleen in a fall have been denied.

She has been hastily written out of her forthcoming scenes in the soap until the New Year.

Her co-star Bill Tarmey, who plays Jack Duckworth, says he “needs” his pal to recover.

He said: "Maggie is a delight. We sit and laugh together. I need her to get better or I will be sitting on my own."