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Acting legend Alison Steadman has revealed that she is finally on the road to recovery after a nasty fall back in January left her wheelchair-bound. The 79-year-old Gavin and Stacey star was in Dubai for a poetry event in January when she tripped on an uneven concrete walkway at a restaurant, and came crashing down. It led to her suffering a broken metatarsal bone in her foot and a fractured hand, which saw her put her life and acting career on hold. Speaking exclusively to OK! at the Comedy Women In Print Prize at London's Groucho Club on Tuesday, however, she said things are finally looking up. "That fall was just terrible, shocking - it was an awful time. I've got to have another operation on my foot soon, to take the metal screws out of it. But I've finally just stopped using a stick, which is great - I am walking again, hurrah!" Alison's career also continues apace. Her hit BBC sitcom Here We Go, which explores the chaos of life in the Jessop Family and sees the Abigail's Party star play matriarch Sue, is returning for a festive special and a new series next year. "Oh, I'm delighted. I just love it, being part of that family. I love working with the likes of Jim Hawick and Katherine Parkinson . It's a great cast and the writing is just superb." The actress, who has been with Welsh actor Michael Elwyn since 1995, devastated fans back in July, when she declared she was retiring from theatre for good, prompted by a 'terrible' bout of stage fright back in 2012. The shock announcement came after years of stunning turns treading the boards since the 60s, in the likes of Abigail's Party, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice - for which the Liverpool native won an Olivier Award. But she assures us that she has no intention of hanging up her acting hat for good. "No no no! As long as people keep writing stuff for me, I'll do it. I'm 80 next year, can you believe it - but I still feel young at heart. And I'm... just going to keep going." Asked if she's planning a big bash for her milestone birthday next August, the sprightly star shakes her head vigorously. "No, I'd say it will be something quiet. I already did the big bash for my 70th - and believe me, that was enough!" On the topic of a Gavin and Stacey film rumoured to be in the works, Alison - who played the iconic Pamela remained tight-lipped. " A film? No, not that I know of, to be honest." But of being forever associated with the acclaimed sitcom she said, "It doesn't bother me at all that people continue to stop me in the street about it. I love that, and always will. It made such an impact, you see - and people always talk to me about the joy that it's brought into their lives. That means a lot. What more can you ask for?" Alison accepted the Witty Impact Award at the Comedy Women In Print Prize, an annual book prize set up by comedian and Absolutely Fabulous legend, Helen Lederer and the UK and Ireland's first comedy literary prize dedicated to celebrating witty women's writing She told us of the accolade, "I'm thrilled. I've done comedy and serious roles throughout my career, and both are very rewarding. "I've always wanted since I left drama school to do everything and anything and not be pidgeonholed, and I think I've achieved that. I've done a hell of a lot. And i just want the roles to keep coming." Meanwhile, the star - who was previously married to film director Mike Leigh , admits she's happiest when she's with family - and loves "birdwatching, my sons and my two grandsons. Family is important, and I feel very lucky with my lot". She is looking forward to slowing down for the festive season, particularly as it involves her grandsons, Freddie and Milo. "I've always loved Christmas , but with the two grandsons to enjoy it with, Christmastime takes on a different meaning. I love it even more now as you see it all through their little eyes." Visit www.comedywomeninprint.co.uk for more.
