No skirt? The show must go on - Nov 30 2007
It seems Dame Judi Dench won't let anything get in the way when it comes to her work - not even the matter of forgetting to put on her skirt!

The Oscar-winning actress has reportedly admitted that she was once so pushed for time while filming that she was unable to complete her costume change.

According to The Stage, the actress said of her role on TV show Cranford: "There was one shot where I had to run and do a change from one scene to another.

"When I got to the next scene I was standing on some stairs and I realised I hadn't got my skirt on. So I thought I'd sit down and the cameras were able to film me from the waist up."

Dame Judi plays spinster Matty Jenkyns in the five-part costume drama, which is based on three Elizabeth Gaskell novels.


Dame Judi’s fun on Cranford set - Nov 15 2007
She’s one of our most-respected actresses, but it seems that reputation doesn’t stop Dame Judi Dench from letting her hair down on set.

The 72-year-old Oscar winner has revealed that she passed the time between scenes, while filming new BBC One costume drama Cranford, by encouraging the star-studded cast to join her in games.

She said: "When we’d all read the papers, we started doing a lot of paper tearing, which caused enormous merriment - I think probably too much merriment, we were told to shut up!"

Dame Judi added: "These are all things that keep you going and keep you as a company, keep you as a group of people, everyone’s always included in that and that’s always a good feeling."

The actress, who is also due to reprise her role as M in the new James Bond film, plays spinster Matty Jenkyns in the five-part series based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel.

"She’s very much influenced by her older sister and she’s been a bit suppressed by her but gradually you see her story develop," she said.

"There’s a man who’s been in her life for a long time, who you do meet, played by Michael Gambon. I can’t tell you anything about it, it’s so secret, it’s like MI6!"



Dame Judi welcomes lottery grant - July 26 2007
Dame Judi Dench has joined other lovers of York Minster in celebrating a £10 million Lottery grant for vital restoration work at the world-famous cathedral.

The Oscar-winning actress, who is from York, said the huge grant which has been earmarked for the Minster by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was "marvellous news".

The money will be used to fund work on the east end of the building, including the world famous Great East Window, and to establish "exciting plans" for training skilled craftsmen and volunteers.

The Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and one of the UK’s most important buildings.

It is currently in the middle of extensive renovation. The east end, which was begun in the late 14th century, is currently in an unstable condition with a noticeable tilt towards the east.

Dame Judi, who is long-term supporter of York Minster, said: "I was born in York and the Minster is particularly dear to my heart.

"It’s also the backdrop to my theatrical heritage as I had my acting debut there in the Fifties when I performed in the Mystery Plays.

"It’s marvellous news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has been so generous and ensured that the vital restoration work of this most wonderful and iconic building will now take place."