Dame Helen at 80: Mum taught me to embrace later life

DAME Helen Mirren, who is now an octogenarian, said her mother’s advice to “never be afraid of getting older” has helped her navigate the years.

- By Tony Whitfield

The Oscar winner, who turned 80 in July, said that with such an outlook “amazing things happen”.

She explained: “When you're 18 the thought of being 35 is horrific. And you get to 35 and it’s actually a lot better than being 18...