Judi Dench discusses having an active sex life in her 80s

At 85 years old, Dame Judi Dench has made it clear that she won't let her age stop her from enjoying an active life in the bedroom.

At w&h, we think it's important to be open about sex in later life - there's no reason women older women should be left out of the conversation. It's why we've tried to shed light on the often misunderstood topic of our vaginas (opens in new tab), and shared the very best vibrators on the market, for you to get the most out of your sex life.

Which is why, when older female celebrities open up about their own experiences, we think it is something to celebrate.

Two years ago, veteran actress Judi spoke about her own desire as she gets older, and told Radio Times magazine that in fact the need for intimacy doesn't ever "go away".

Speaking to the publication in 2018 about her film, Victoria and Abdul, in which she once again takes on the role of the late Queen Victoria, Judi shared her opinion that intimacy in relationships isn't something reserved only for the younger generations.

MORE:Judi Dench reveals health condition has forced her to give up driving: ‘One of the most traumatic moments of my life’ (opens in new tab)

Hinting at the fact that she still enjoys an active sex life herself, she said, "Well, of course, you still feel desire. Does that ever go?"

She also offered up advice to her peers, saying, "To the older reader, I would say: ‘Don't give up.'"

And, going on to explain just how she likes to keep things interesting behind closed doors between herself and her partner, David Mills, the actress explained how she loves to frequent a "lovely naughty knicker shop" in Covent Garden. But she also warned against buying too much of their stock, saying, "but don't buy up everything because I'm going there!"

Dame Judi Dench is currently in a relationship with 76-year-old conservationist David Mills (opens in new tab), who she begun seeing in 2010, some 9 years after the sad death of her husband of 30 years, Michael Williams.

Dench went on to discuss the chemistry between her and her fellow Victoria and Abdul co-star, Ali Fazal, 30, admitting she can recognise how attractive he is.

She confessed, "He is very, very tall. He is extremely beautiful and he is an utterly delightful, charming man."

And, of scenes where her character, Queen Victoria, is required to appear attracted to Abdul, she admitted that there was, "No acting at all required."

We think it's wonderfully refreshing to hear Judi, at 84, talk so candidly about sex.