Attenborough recovering from alarming fall

LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Richard Attenborough is "doing very well" since being knocked unconscious in a London fall, the British actor's niece says.

Attenborough's niece, Susan, said her uncle may be hospitalized through Christmas after tumbling in his London home and hitting his head, temporarily sending him into a coma, The Sunday Times of London reported.

"He had a fall and banged his head. He's 85 and falls hurt, you know … He was in a coma but has come out now," the daughter of naturalist David Attenborough said.

"He's doing very well. We don't know when he will be released or whether he will be in home in time for Christmas but we all hope so."

Last week's fall marks the most recent health scare for the "Jurassic Park" actor, who lost consciousness this summer after suffering a heart irregularity.

The BBC said last week's accident also caused Attenborough to miss a Thursday ceremony honoring "Brief Encounter" actress Celia Johnson.