Ross King: Dame Judi Dench courts controversy with comments about Hollywood bad guys

When Dame Judi Dench speaks, you just have to listen – even when she’s saying something you don’t agree with.

The 84-year-old is acting royalty and last week she had some thoughts about two of her friends who, it’s fair to say, aren’t held in the highest esteem at the moment.

A lot of allegations have been made against movie star Kevin Spacey and producer Harvey Weinstein, which the pair are denying.

Judi condemned their behaviour but she was also asked about the pair’s previous work. She said it was a bit of a shame how that had been treated.

Spacey, for example, had been removed from Ridley Scott’s film All The Money In The World, despite having filmed all his scenes.

“What kind of agony is that?” said Judi.

“Are we going to negate 10 years at the Old Vic and everything that he did – how wonderful he’s been in all those films? Are we just not going to see all those films that Harvey produced?

“You cannot deny somebody’s talent. You might as well never look at a Caravaggio painting. You might as well never have gone to see Noël Coward.”

Caravaggio was a murderer but is held up as one of the most respected artists of all time, while Noel Coward was accused of predatory behaviour.

It’s an interesting argument – should Spacey and Weinstein be whitewashed from showbiz history?

Kevin Spacey was kind to her when Judi’s husband died. You can see the debate there.

It’s been a tough time for Judi, one of my favourite actors. She was talking about how her eyesight has faded, but she’s not letting that get her down.

“I can’t read the paper now, I can’t do the crossword, I can’t read a book,” she says.

“But, you know, you cope. I’ve got people who read to me and coach me with my lines.”

“On a film set you learn where everything is. It’s OK if you can get away with it. It’s all acting, after all. Fooling people. It’s what I do.”

Last week I attended the Child Bereavement UK Charity event at Kensington Palace with my old pal Gary Barlow. It really is a great cause and Gary did excellently during his performance.

I was left standing backstage watching in awe as Gary had been doing his stuff and bringing up special guests to sing.

Just small, up and coming artists you might not have heard of — Craig David, Rick Astley and Lulu.

Rory Bremner, who’d also done a turn, was great too – he made quite the impression, so to speak. He could charge extra for all the different celebs he impersonates!

After Rory’s barnstorming show, he popped his head round the door backstage and saw me.

“Are you up next?” he asked.

“There’s only one man who can follow Gary, Craig, Rick, Lulu and you,” I said.

I told him it sure wasn’t me!

With that I slipped into Gary’s car and into the night…