Miriam Margolyes rushed to hospital with chest infection as she admits having a 's*** time'

The TAVI procedure involves placing an aortic valve into the heart to treat aortic stenosis, and Margolyes let her friends on Facebook know that the surgery had gone well and predicted that she'd be home on Sunday although she was still weak.

The actor posted a pic on the social media site from her hospital bed which read: "Thanks to my precious friends who thought of me on Tavi Day. I did survive and I am still in The Royal Brompton Hospital certainly till Sunday.

"I am growing energy but it's still not quite me." However, the British-Australian icon still managed to keep upbeat by sharing a consecutive snap from the bed saying: "Glam nightie."

But Margolyes's prediction that she'll be home on Monday was premature as she revealed that her stay in hospital had been extended.

Now she hopes to be released at some point on today, and said yesterday morning: "I spoke too soon. Can’t come home yet: I have a chest infection. Probably tomorrow. But at least I’m resting. Love to all. Thank you for your lovely messages."

She appeared more confident on Tuesday morning of her impending release when she declared: "Beloved chums. After a s*** yesterday I am going home later today.

"Heartfelt thanks to all my wonderful friends who sent messages and to the very fine doctors and nurses at the RBHT who put up with me."

Margolyes's loyal fans shared her enthusiasm and shared their optimism under the post.

One user beamed: "Thanks for the update, glad you are getting time to rest even if you are being made to do it. much love rest well and then onward."

Followed by a second supporter who said: "You look remarkably perky and smiley which is good to see. Get well SOOOOOON. xxx."

While a fourth user added: "You look amazingly well and perky! Hope they let you loose upon the world again soon xxx."

Margolyes hopes to get back to touring at some point after her recovery. She's got work trips to Italy and Australia planned for this year, along with a 22-city book tour in September lined up.

She also revealed whilst recovering in hospital: "Slowly I'll get back to The Chase and then Italy, Oz filming in WA and return for 22 city books tour on Sept 7. Loving hugs. MM."

Margolyes's starred in a slew of classical titles over the years including Agatha Christie's classic Miss Marple series, and legendary cartoon show Rugrats. She also won a Bafta for her role in Martin Scorsese's 1993 classic, The Age of Innocence.