'It's incredible how much status woman have achieved'

Actress and singer Vanessa Williams says female stereotypes are changing, but there's one role she would consider revisiting

- LYDIA VELJANOVSKI

Playing formidable women means fans are sometimes intimidated by actress Vanessa Williams - which can have its advantages.

"Many people are scared to approach me," she says. "It's actually quite good.

It cuts out 50% of the people who would have. But once they realise who I actually am, that's over." Vanessa, 62, has had rave reviews for her portrayal of ice-queen magazine editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada in the West End. And from 2006 to 2010, she perfected her withering glare as fashion boss Wilhelmina Slater in TV hit Ugly Betty. But she says the stereotype of women ruling with an iron fist is changing.

"There are so many examples of women who are CEOs, governors, even presidents," she says. "Thank God those stereotypes are disappearing. It's incredible how much power and status women have achieved in 20 years." One driven woman who knows only too well about being labelled is her close friend Hillary Clinton, once branded a "nasty woman" by Donald Trump. Hillary, 78, lives near Vanessa in her hometown of Chappaqua, New York, and they support each other's careers.

"She's doing really well," says Vanessa.

"She hasn't come to see the show yet, but her aide David has."

Vanessa was speaking before she turned on the Oxford Street Christmas lights in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Unlike Miranda, Vanessa loves spreading festive cheer. She has released two Christmas albums and starred in the film A Diva's Christmas Carol in 2000.