Updated: Corrie chiefs update fans on 'ill' Jones

Coronation Street producers have denied newspaper speculation surrounding the current condition of Weatherfield legend Maggie Jones.

The 75-year-old actress, who plays Blanche Hunt in the ITV1 soap, is said to be 'seriously ill' after being rushed to Manchester's Hope Hospital for life-saving surgery on Sunday.

A spokeswoman for the Manchester-based drama has stated that a recent report suggesting Jones ruptured her spleen in a fall is untrue.

Speaking to Five Live, she continued: "She's had an operation and obviously she's in her 70s. Our thoughts are with her.

"She's been written out of storylines for the time being, everyone's wishing her a speedy recovery."

Meanwhile, a Weatherfield source told The Sun: "Even if she manages to make a full recovery, she wouldn't be filming again until Christmas, which will keep her off screen until mid-February at least.

"It's devastating news for fans. She's a very popular actress and has a massive following on the show."

Jones was previously hospitalised after injuring her arm, knee and shoulder due to a fall in April 2008. She returned to work a month later.