A West Sussex man whose television star daughter is fighting for life after plunging from a balcony is unable to get to her bedside.

Holby City actress Laura Sadler plunged 40ft from boyfriend and co-star George Calil's London apartment on Sunday.

The 22-year-old, who plays nurse Sandy Harper in the popular series, was in critically ill this morning at the intensive care unit in Charing Cross Hospital, London.

But her father Geoffrey Sadler, of Wooldridge Walk, Climping, near Littlehampton, cannot go to see his daughter because he is also receiving hospital treatment for a separate problem.

His neighbours this morning spoke of their shock at the tragedy.

One said: "This is desperately sad news." Another said: "I have been watching the news and it does not look good."

They said Laura's father had recently married his second wife, Sheryll Desborough, who lives with him. She told reporters her husband had been told about the accident and described it as "tragic".

It was reported this morning that the actress had taken cocaine and drunk vodka before the fall.

Calil, 30 - who plays Sadler's drug-dealer boyfriend Sean Hunt - has been released on bail without charge.

He is said to be "absolutely devastated" after the incident at his apartment in Holland Park, west London.

In a statement, he said: "She is the love of my life. I am so incredibly upset over this - I just cannot believe what has happened.

"I have co-operated with the police fully in their investigation, which continues. For this reason, I cannot at the moment talk specifically about the events of Sunday morning."

Calil added: "I hope that everyone will join me in praying for Laura's speedy recovery. My thoughts are with her whole family."

Police and paramedics were called to the apartment in the early hours of Sunday.

Laura, who was born on Christmas Day and raised in London, decided on a career in acting after being inspired by Marilyn Monroe.

She first appeared on television in children's programme Grange Hill - where her character Judi Jeffreys died after plunging from a blazing building. She has also appeared on television in Jane Eyre, Inspector Morse, Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Belfry Witches.

A Charing Cross Hospital spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that she is here and she is in a critical condition. She is in the intensive care unit.

A spokeswoman for Holby City, a spin-off from hit show Casualty, said: "Our thoughts are with her and her family at this difficult time."