Star Wars' Baker 'a lot better'

Baker was taken ill while flying from Chicago to the UK last week

Star Wars actor Kenny Baker is "a lot better" after being admitted to hospital last week with chest problems, his son has said.

But the 73-year-old actor, who played loveable robot R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, remains in hospital in Wythenshawe, Manchester.

The 3ft 8in actor was taken ill while flying back to the UK from Chicago.

"He was very seriously ill when he flew in on Tuesday but he's out of bed now," Kevin Baker told BBC News.

"He's well aware of all the support he's received and thanks everyone for their kind regards."

Pneumonia

According to his son, Kenny Baker suffered a bout of pneumonia last year which doctors think may be behind his current illness.

"The doctors said they'd done pretty much all they could do," he said. "I was told he could very easily pass away in his sleep."

Kevin Baker said his father was still getting tired very quickly and was using a nebuliser to assist his breathing.

Born in Birmingham in 1934, Kenny Baker's other films include Flash Gordon, Time Bandits and The Elephant Man.