Royle Family's Nana to quit acting

Former Royle Family star Liz Smith has said she is to retire from acting after suffering a stroke.

The 87-year-old actress - who played Nana in the hit BBC comedy - is still recovering after spending two months in hospital earlier this year.

And she has admitted that although she is getting stronger she accepts that further acting roles are beyond her.

"I do get muddled and sometimes I feel I have to reach for words that elude me," said Smith.

"I was getting terribly tired anyway, although I'd like to think I could eventually write again."

"I've got stories in my head but I'm nearly 90 so if I don't do much now at least I've earned a rest."

Smith only began acting in her 50s and first sprang to fame in the sitcom The Vicar Of Dibley. She has also appeared in numerous TV shows including Emmerdale and Last Of The Summer Wine.

She was made an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List at the start of 2009.