'Coronation Street' star Maggie Jones, who plays battle-axe Blanche Hunt, has got a "cheeky grin" back on her face as she recovers from emergency surgery, her co-star Michael Le Vell revealed today.
Le Vell, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster, said Jones's sister made a visit to the set in Manchester yesterday to reassure the cast.
The much-loved actress was rushed to hospital on Saturday for the major operation, but is now on the mend, he said.
He said: "The good news is her sister said she has got a cheeky grin back on her face.
"She told us Maggie has got all her naughtiness back. Things are looking up now and we are just hoping she makes a speedy recovery."
Le Vell said the cast are missing 75-year-old Jones, who has been written out of all immediate scenes.
The actress does not want the nature of her illness disclosed, but it is understood the operation was for a pre-existing condition.
He added: "We want just want her back on set, she is massively important to the show, but the main thing is that she gets better.
"She is one of the greatest comedy actresses of all time, she is a legend."
Famous for her withering put downs, biting one-liners, and permanent scowl, Blanche is one of the show's most popular characters.
A 'Coronation Street' spokesman said: "We are really encouraged by her progress, she is showing great fight and resilience."
