Star Wars' Chewbacca Peter Mayhew admitted to hospital with pneumonia

Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

The 70-year-old British actor who recently returned to his iconic role for JJ Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is doing well, with his wife Angie posting online via his Reddit account to say: "Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, good vibes, and happy thoughts.

"Peter is indeed in the hospital with pneumonia. He will make a full recovery, and hope to be discharged within a few days. Doctors are incredibly happy with his improvements.

"Sorry for the absence, we left our tablets at home, so we have been unable to post to Reddit for a bit. I'll make sure he pops in later in the day. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

TMZ filed the original report, which mentions Mayhew cancelling a weekend comic shop appearance in Texas due to his illness.

Since starring in the original Star Wars trilogy and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Mayhew has been a regular at fan conventions and events, which made his cancellation a cause for concern.

He will star alongside his on-screen buddy Harrison Ford as Han Solo, as well as Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, who return as Leia Solo and Luke Skywalker.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars series newcomers John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac, and will be released on 18 December.