Jennifer Saunders has a habit of making bad first impressions. Her Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley once famously told how she almost turned down her role as Champagneswigging Patsy in the iconic '90s sitcom because she got the distinct impression during their first meeting that Jennifer didn't like her.
And Joanna, 76, wasn't alone in assumptions of the BAFTA award-winning comedian.
"Everyone's always going, 'Jennifer, they think you're frightening,"" laughs the star. "They'd go, 'You don't smile an awful lot.' But I've had that face since I was a kid, actually! It's a blankness and I think that's what people find odd, because if you're blank, they don't know what to think."
What's behind the vacant facade, she explains, is shyness. "And I don't realise what I look like when I'm scared!"
While strangers might have a hard time working out Jennifer, her family knows exactly where they stand. Her face lights up at the mere mention of her three daughters, singer-songwriter Ella, 36, and actresses Beattie, 34, and Freya 31.
Not to mention her grandchildren, two girls and three boys, aged between nine and a few months. "They're just divine," she coos.
Jennifer and her husband of 37 years Ade Edmondson, of The Young Ones fame, often play host to their grandchildren at their home in Devon in the south of England.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK