The spirit and physical condition of Robert Blake, in a downtown Los Angeles jail awaiting trial on charges that he murdered his wife, are deteriorating, and the ex-"Baretta" star, 69, worries that this may be his last Christmas, according to a report Thursday on L.A. station CBS2.

"This is the fourth time I have interviewed Robert Blake, the second time in jail, and definitely there is a change," said reporter Paul Dandridge, who added that the actor is "not sure as to how much more he can last."

Dandridge reportedly said the only human contact Blake has is a once-a-week handshake from a priest who visits the actor in his jail cell.

Blake, whose trademark dyed black hair has grown out white, stands accused of fatally shooting his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, in May 2001 while she sat outside a restaurant in the family car after dinner.

He is scheduled to answer questions under oath Jan. 15 in connection with a civil wrongful death lawsuit brought by Bakley's children.

A preliminary hearing in the criminal case against him is set for Feb. 26.