Comedy star Robson on mend

Robson, here with her husband Mark, is undergoing tests

Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson is "feeling much better" in hospital after reportedly collapsing at her home.

The 43-year-old actress underwent tests at a hospital in London, according to her agent Dympna Holland.

There has been speculation she was suffering from pancreatitis.

Pauline Quirke co-stars with Robson in the hit series

"Linda is feeling much better after having the tests and she would like to thank everybody for their interest," Holland said.

She added that Robson should be out of hospital later this week, although she could not say when she might return to work.

Robson, who plays Tracey in the BBC comedy series, had to pull out of hosting an awards ceremony on Thursday in London.

She was to be presented with a trophy after being voted by members of the public as the celebrity they would most like to live next door to.

Lesley Joseph, who plays Robson's neighbour Dorien Green in Birds of a Feather, stepped in to take her place at the ceremony.

Lesley Joseph with "best neighbour" Pat Kendrick, from Birmingham

A spokesman for the event's organisers, household products company Kleeneze, said: "We found out she was ill yesterday and that she had been taken to hospital for tests. It is sad that she is very poorly."

Joseph said: "I first heard that Linda wasn't well last night and I was only too pleased to stand in. She is one of the most loyal people I know.

"She was the best neighbour I ever had and I would love to have her next door in real life."

In October 1997, filming on the show had to be postponed after Robson underwent emergency surgery to remove several gall stones which had penetrated her pancreas.

Birds of a Feather also stars Pauline Quirke and centres around two Essex women and their criminal husbands.

More than 100 episodes have been shown since the series began in 1989, attracting audiences of up to 14 million.