Dame Judi Dench has revealed the mischievous childhood prank that saw her post a dead rat through her neighbour's letterbox.
The Oscar-winning actress shared the story while looking back on her childhood, explaining that she was recruited by her older brothers after a neighbour repeatedly refused to return their cricket balls.
Dame Judi Dench. Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
She recalled: “The boys used to play cricket in the garden, and they used to be always batting the balls over into the other gardens, and there was a lady called Miss Lazenby, and she never ever would throw the ball back, or give us the balls back."
“And once the boys found a dead rat in the barn, and they parcelled it up, and they said to me, ‘Judi, will you just go round and put this through Miss Lazenby’s door?’
“So I did go and squeeze it through Miss Lazenby’s door.”
Dench added that the parcel also contained a note reading: “please give us our balls back.”
Asked whether the prank worked, she admitted it was “probably not.”
Sir Ian McKellen. Magicfoto, Shutterstock
The story comes shortly after it was announced that Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen will reunite on screen for a new Sky Arts special.
The programme will see McKellen visit Dench at her home in Surrey for a candid conversation reflecting on their decades-long friendship and careers.
The special follows the success of last year's Tea With Judi Dench, which featured Sir Kenneth Branagh.
Speaking about the new episode, Dench said:
"I am absolutely delighted to be returning for a second film, and even more pleased to be sharing the experience with the wonderful Sir Ian McKellen."
Sir Ian McKellen attends Manchester Pride. Stefano Bolognini, Shutterstock
She added:
"The response to the first film was deeply touching, and it’s a great privilege to continue these conversations and capture moments of great friendship."
According to Sky Arts, the pair will discuss topics including Shakespeare, stage fright, acting, and the global success of franchises such as James Bond, The Lord of the Rings and X-Men.
The programme will also see McKellen reflect on coming out publicly, campaigning against Section 28, and his regret that he never came out to his parents.
Tea With Judi Dench returns to Sky Arts next month.
