Corrie's Blanche 'improving' after surgery

The condition of Coronation Street actress Maggie Jones has improved slightly following major surgery.

The 75-year-old, who plays Blanche Hunt in the soap, was reported to be seriously ill after being rushed to hospital yesterday.

"There has been an improvement this afternoon in Maggie's condition and she seems to have turned a bit of a corner," a Corrie spokesman told BBC News.

It is not currently clear what type of operation Jones underwent, but she has been written out of any upcoming scenes in the show.

A Weatherfield source earlier said: "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."

Fellow actor Bill Tarmey, who plays pensioner Jack Duckworth, announced today that his thoughts are with the star.