Victor Meldrew actor Richard Wilson in hospital after heart attack

Actor Richard Wilson, best known for playing Victor Meldrew, is being treated in hospital after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday afternoon.

The 80-year-old actor's agent John Grant confirmed the details to ITV News and said he was now in a stable condition.

"The actor, Richard Wilson, suffered a heart attack," he said in a statement.

"He is in hospital and in a stable condition. At the request of family members there will be no more comment at this time."

Mr Wilson has cancelled a string of of Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows in which he had been due to reprise the iconic character of Victor Meldrew.

He had played the cantankerous pensioner for the BBC series One Foot in the Grave for a decade between 1990 and 2000.

The Scottish actor is also known for a host of stage and screen roles including Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Doctor Who and, more recently, BBC fantasy drama Merlin.

Mr Wilson has previously revealed that he initially wanted to turn down the part of Victor Meldrew because he thought he was too young for the role.

He later admitted that he later missed playing the grumpy pensioner - despite years of being catcalled with his catchphrase "I don't believe it".

Mr Wilson was due to reprise the role in one-man show called I Don't Believe It! An Evening With Victor Meldrew.

The Assembly Rooms, where Wilson was due to perform, shared a statement from his agents, saying: "Due to ill health, Richard Wilson has taken the decision to take some time out.

"He is sorry to have to disappoint those hoping to see him in Edinburgh."