'Star Wars' actor's health improving

Star Wars actor Kenny Baker is improving after being hospitalised with chest problems.

The 73-year-old, who played droid R2-D2 in all six films in the franchise, was admitted to hospital in Manchester last week after flying back from attending film conventions in Chicago.

Son Kevin told the Lancashire Evening Post: "When I first arrived, I was pretty much told by the doctors that there was not a lot they could do because dad had not responded to the treatment and they fully expected him to die in his sleep.

"He died nearly, he was very close. But he's tough and is over the worst. They want to get to the bottom of it and make sure he is fighting fit before they release him."

He revealed that his father was now out of bed, adding: "And he really does want to thank the fans for all their well wishes."

Baker suffers from asthma and was taken ill with pneumonia last year, which doctors believe may be at the root of his current illness.