Betty White: 'McClanahan in great shape'

Betty White has revealed that her former Golden Girls co-star Rue McClanahan is "doing better" following her recent health problems.

The actress, who played Blanche Deveraux in the 1980s sitcom, suffered a minor stroke while recovering from bypass surgery earlier this year.

Speaking to reporters in a recent conference call, White said: "We talk about every, oh maybe three, four weeks. She lives in New York of course. And she had a bum go.

"She had a triple bypass and then had a stroke. And she's just doing fine. I talked with her. She's home and doing better and better and her speech is all cleared up. She's in great shape."

White - who will host this weekend's Saturday Night Live - was also asked for her thoughts on a Golden Girls remake, but admitted that she has "really never" considered the possibility.

"It would be lovely for the writers," she said, when asked if it is a good idea. "But let's face it, Golden Girls and all the hit shows really go back to the threshold of the writers. We can't do it unless it's on the page."

Saturday Night Live airs May 8 at 11.30/10.30c on NBC.

> Click here to read the full interview with Betty White