'I want to work on MY 80TH!'

TV icon Joanna Lumley opens up about her milestone birthday, playing baddies and the secret to staying youthful

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She's been one of TV's most prolific stars over the last six decades, playing a huge variety of roles including Purdey in The New Avengers, a Bond Girl and - unforgettably - Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous. With an 80th birthday on the horizon, you'd forgive actor Joanna Lumley for wanting to slow down the pace a little - but she reveals that the secret to her youthful looks and incredible energy is to keep working.

'I think being busy keeps me young. You need it!' she says, admitting that her acting roles give her a sense of purpose and she intends to stay on screen as long as she possibly can. 'The thing is to keep doing stuff that other people need.'

In fact, Joanna, 79, is so devoted to her job, she would much rather be on set than popping champagne on her milestone birthday next May.