Vocal cord research could give Andrews her voice back

Mary Poppins star Julie Andrews has been dropping in on scientists developing artificial vocal cords that might one day restore her voice.

The US team hopes to test the elastic synthetic tissue on patients suffering from voice loss as early as next year.

Andrews, 76, who permanently lost her full vocal range after an operation in 1997, chairs a non-profit organisation funding the research and is being treated by a voice doctor collaborating on the project.