Sir John Mills hurt in fall

Sir John Mills spent the night in hospital

Veteran actor Sir John Mills was forced to cancel an appearance on a Radio 4 show on Saturday after cracking two ribs in a fall.

Sir John, 93, was due to be a guest on Loose Ends, but had to withdraw on the advice of his doctor, a family spokeswoman said.

She said he had suffered a "nasty" fall at his Buckinghamshire home on Friday and was kept overnight in hospital as a precaution.

"He really wanted to be there tonight, he's so disappointed but on the advice of his doctor he decided not to. He's back home and all right," she added.

Sir John is almost blind after his retinas in both eyes failed while he was touring with his one-man show in 1992.

Tribute

He has had a varied and distinguished 72-year career, starring in over 100 films.

One of the highlights of his career was winning Best Supporting Actor in the 1971 Academy Awards for his performance in Ryan's Daughter.

He has also worked as a producer and director, even directing his daughter Hayley in Sky West and Crooked.

He still thrives on acting, appearing in Kenneth Branagh's acclaimed Hamlet in 1996 and several distinguished television series throughout the 90s. Any intimation of retirement has been vehemently dismissed.

In February this year more than 400 stars of screen and stage gathered to honour his life and career.

The tribute evening also celebrated Sir John's recent 60th wedding anniversary. To mark the event he and his wife Mary renewed their wedding vows at their local church in January.