Nothing like this Dame Judi

A few weeks before her 90th birthday, the acting legend jumped on a phone call with The Weekly to talk about her extraordinary life – and what’s still to come.

- TIFFANY DUNK

Dialling Dame Judi Dench’s home phone number at 10am UK time, I admit to feeling a little nervous. But then, after a couple of short rings, she answers. “Hello?” That famous gin-soaked voice comes down the line as a cacophony of whistles erupt in the background.

“Thank you very much for calling, how lovely to speak with you. If you can hear a lot of whistling, it’s my parrot. And you’ll be lucky if it’s only whistling you hear.”

With that Dame Judi bursts into a cracking laugh, her warmth and wit as intact today at 90 as it has been since she entered the public eye.

In terms of dream interviews, the legendary British star has always sat at the top of my list. First of course, there’s her impressive seven-decadelong career. Not only has she won a healthy amount of awards along the way, but that résumé also means she’s a firm favourite in my family – three generations of women have been self-professed super-fans. But mostly it’s because she’s a legendary mischief maker, her repartee always imbued with quick humour but one that is steeped in warmth.

With her laughter still ringing down the line, so begins a conversation which feels as familiar as talking to a family member – if that family member happened to be one of the world’s most talented stars.

We’re thrilled to wish you a happy 90th birthday ahead of December 9. As you approach this new decade, what is bringing you joy? Well, the fact that I’m still doing things and working. I’m doing a show with Gyles Brandreth [