Dame Judi Dench has received her first Covid-19 vaccination

Dame Judi Dench has reportedly informed BBC News that she’s received her first Covid-19 vaccination. The 86-year-old Oscar-winning actor is perhaps best known for her roles in films such as Shakespeare in Love, Victoria & Abdul and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Dame Judi previously filmed a brilliant response to the coronavirus outbreak (opens in new tab). 

The actor has often been very open in the past, sharing emotional insights such as why she'll never have another husband (opens in new tab). Dame Judi Dench's eyesight (opens in new tab) is something that has also previously been spoken about. Now, she has revealed some personal news. 

Speaking to BBC News, Dame Judi shared that she received the first of her Covid-19 vaccinations. 

“I had one a week ago. I think my next is in something like 11 weeks time. That’s a great start,” she said. 

How might the Covid-19 vaccination help the theatre industry?

Dame Judi went on to discuss the prospect of the theatres opening again one day. It is hoped by some that with more and more people receiving the Covid-19 vaccination (opens in new tab), theatres might be able to welcome audiences again. 

“Theatres ought to have people in them. Anyone who’s ever gone into an empty theatre knows it’s a very, very curious feeling, the fact that they’re standing empty.”

Dame Judi added: “During the lockdown suddenly one realises you just need social contact with people.” 

She went on to reveal how: “Just the thing of sitting next to somebody in a theatre, or in a cinema, or at supper even, or at lunch, those are things you suddenly realise that you take for granted.”

Talking of the impact the pandemic has had on the theatres, she said: “It’s appalling and it’s terrible for all that community of people in theatres, not just the actors, but all the crews, the stage doormen, and everybody who looks after the theatre, the cleaners. They’re not doing anything.”

The acclaimed actress also spoke of how she was grateful to have still been able to work. Dame Judi stars in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s upcoming film Belfast, where the cast and crew reportedly took “every precaution”.

She revealed that it was a “huge relief to do something, otherwise you wake up and you think, what is the thing I’ll do today?”

Who else has received the Covid-19 vaccination?

The revelation that Dame Judi has had the Covid-19 vaccination comes after many other high-profile celebrities including Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Tom Jones and Sir David Attenborough are understood to have also been vaccinated against the virus. 

It’s also been recently stated by a royal source that both the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh have received their first Covid-19 vaccination (opens in new tab). 

Both their son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William are believed to have previously battled the virus.