Willy Wonka actress Denise Nickerson, who played Violet Beauregarde in the film, has reportedly suffered a stroke and is in a critical condition.

Nickerson, who starred in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in her early teens, has reportedly been battling with her health.

According to TMZ, a Facebook group has been set up to help support the 61-year-old actress after she reportedly suffered a stroke in June.

The group has been offering updates on her health status for a week and is also offering autographed items for money.

The US publication reports that sources close to the family say Nickerson is in an intensive care but is adamant that she is a fighter.

They added that the American actress was reported to have undergone a procedure earlier this week.

Insiders also said that Nickerson has had a pacemaker put in and is being fed through feeding tubes.

The family is said to have raised over $2,000 (around £1,500) so far for health care fees.

Alongside the success of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Nickerson appeared as a regular in Dark Shadows and The Electric Company.

She also appeared in an episode of American sitcom, The Brady Bunch, which stopped airing in 1974.