Beckham's father now 'conscious'

Ted Beckham was influential in his son's early football career

David Beckham's father is reported to be "conscious and talking" two days after suffering a heart attack.

A spokesman for the England footballer made the announcement, while a London Chest Hospital spokesman said only that Ted Beckham was in a stable condition.

David Beckham and his wife Victoria visited the hospital on Friday after flying in to the UK from overseas.

Ted Beckham is believed to have had surgery after suffering chest pains at his east London home on Wednesday.

The 59-year-old reportedly had to be resuscitated by paramedics on the way to the hospital in Bethnal Green, east London.

Beckham rushed to the UK from Los Angeles, where he plays for LA Galaxy, while his Spice Girl wife jetted in from Japan.

A hospital spokeswoman said only that Ted Beckham was in a stable condition, but the footballer's spokesman, Simon Oliviera, said: "He is conscious and talking, and that's a positive step."

Mr Beckham, whose first name is David but is known by his middle name Edward, is divorced from the footballer's mother, Sandra. They also have two daughters, Lynne and Joanne.