'I Like My Family And Friends Around Me I Don't Like My Own Company At All!'

Dame Judi Dench talks about her proudest achievement – and reveals why she cherishes time spent with her nearest and dearest more now than ever

- Selina Maycock

Despite being an award-winning actress who holds an Academy Award for her depiction of Queen Elizabeth I in 1998 film Shakespeare in Love, six BAFTA Film Awards, four BAFTA TV Awards, seven Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globes and a Tony – to name but a few – Dame Judi Dench is one of the most down-to-earth people you could ever meet.

Not one to make a grand entrance on any red carpet, the glamorous star quietly slipped into Simpson’s-in-theStrand for The Oldie of the Year Awards, where she was presenting a prize to her former on-screen husband Geoffrey Palmer, with whom she graced the screens of BBC1’s popular romantic sitcom As Time Goes By for 13 years. But, as with any actress of her long standing and calibre, those who either simply recognised her familiar face or adore her work flocked to speak to her. And when we approached her for a chat, the actress was full of grace.

Even when she was whisked away for the obligatory photo call, Judi was more than apologetic for the interruption. (We were politely waiting in line – while she had a brief catch-up with Geoffrey’s wife – for an ideal opportunity to garner a few minutes of her precious time.).

Judi, 83, has a career that spans over 60 years. From her many outstanding Shakespeare stage roles, she went on to become a household TV favourite, and also starred in not one but eight James Bond films.

But as a little girl, learning lines, attending awards ceremonies and watching herself on the big screen wasn’t something Judi set out to do.

‘I always wanted to be a dancer at first,’ she tells us, ‘then a designer. I gave it all up – well, I’ve had to dance sometimes [for roles] – to be an actress instead.’