Judi Dench: it was 'thrilling' to shoot a gun for Bond films She is a national treasure revered for her tireless commitment to stage and cinema. (TELEGRAPH)

By Ben Bryant11:02AM GMT 10 Feb 2013

Yet 78-year-old Dame Judi Dench has revealed an unlikely penchant for a different kind of shoot.

The Skyfall actress, who has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Baftas this evening, said it was "thrilling" to fire a gun as part of her training for the role of M in the James Bond films.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, she told of her invitation to Shed 19 in Buckinghamshire's Pinewood Studios, which is normally used for training stunt professionals.

She told interviewer Sophie Raworth: "I got into Shed 19. And Shed 19's where you learn to shoot a gun.
"You get in to hold a ... you know ... and you start firing at things. It's thrilling. It's thrilling because it's pretend."

Judi Dench also revealed her reaction to the news of the demise of her character in Skyfall.


She said: "I was told that very, very early on so I could get rid of the kind of peeved face and start smiling and nodding and saying, yes of course."

"I didn't feel peeved at all. Mind you, when I come to do the next one I shall hang around trying to put the boot into Ralph Fiennes."

Judi Dench also said that her last role in the Bond films was an emotional experience.

She said: "I think I was emotional when they actually said 'cut!', and they said that’s it, thanks very much.
"I think I was quite emotional then and we all had a drink and a big cake and everything – that was the emotional bit."


READ MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/jamesbond/9860494/Judi-Dench-it-was-thrilling-to-shoot-a-gun-for-Bond-films.html

Bafta 2013: Dame Judi Dench finally recognised for James Bond role Veteran British actress Dame Judi Dench has finally been recognised by the Bafta awards for her role as M in James Bond, as Skyfall receives eight nominations this year. (TELEGRAPH)

By Hannah Furness9:14AM GMT 09 Jan 2013

Dame Judi Dench has been nominated as best supporting actress for her role as M in James Bond, receiving one of the eight nominations for Skyfall announced at a ceremony this morning.

It is the first time she has been recognized by Bafta for playing M, and comes as she finally finishes her 17 year stint in the role. Skyfall will be her final appearance in the James Bond franchise.

Her nomination is one of eight received by the film this year, including Outstanding British Film and Cinematography.

Javier Bardem was announced as a contender for best supporting actor, with potential accolades also including prizes for original music, editing, production design and sound.


Casino Royale has previously received nine nominations; a record high.

This year, Skyfall was narrowly pipped to the most nominations by Lincoln, which received ten, Les Miserables and Life of Pi which both received nine.

The award for best film will come from a short list of Argo, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Lincoln and Zero Dark Thirty.

Judi Dench was first recognised by Bafta in1966 as "most promising newcomer", and has gone on to receive and impressive 26 nominations.

She has already won ten times, including best leading actress for Iris and Mrs Brown.

READ MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/baftas/9789811/Bafta-2013-Dame-Judi-Dench-finally-recognised-for-James-Bond-role.html