'Star Wars' actor hit by mystery illness

The actor Kenny Baker, best known for playing the droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, has been hospitalised with a mystery illness, The Sun reports.

The 3ft 8in Baker became ill as he flew back to the UK after holidaying in the US.

Friends feared that he was "seriously ill" but a family member said Baker would soon return to his Lancashire home.

"Kenny's conscious and talking, hopefully he'll be absolutely fine."

Baker has also appeared in 24 Hour Party People, Labyrinth and Time Bandits. Along with Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), he is the only actor to have featured in all six Star Wars films.