'Emmerdale' star fighting mystery illness

Veteran Emmerdale star Clive Hornby has been forced to take a break from the soap due to ill health.

According to The Mirror, the 63-year-old is fighting an unnamed illness which could threaten his future on the ITV1 show.

Hornby is Emmerdale's longest-serving cast member after making his first appearance as Jack Sugden 28 years ago.

He recently insisted that he loved the programme and had no plans to retire, saying: "I can't believe I'm still here sometimes. Some of the kids in the show weren't even born when I started.

"I can't imagine leaving - it would be the death of me, that. I'm happy to be doing it as long as they want me doing it."

A show spokesman said: "We can confirm that Clive is unwell but fully intends to return to work."

Hornby has filmed episodes to be broadcast up to mid-February.