Dame Judi Dench has the James Bond theme as her ringtone.

The 77-year-old actress - who reprises her role as straight-talking MI6 chief M in the latest chapter of the British spy franchise, 'Skyfall' - is such a fan of 007 that she has changed her ringtone to the theme tune, but was deeply embarrassed when her phone rang while shooting a dramatic scene opposite villain Javier Bardem.

Spanish star Javier joked to The Sun newspaper: ''I suddenly hear the Bond theme tune and think, 'What is that?', and realised it's Judi's cellphone.

Judi added: ''I was deeply ashamed... And my phone went off and unfortunately the ring is the Bond theme, so Javier said, 'And she put the music on as well.' Disgraceful.''

Judi recently joked that the best thing about playing no-nonsense boss M was getting to boss Daniel Craig around and demand authority on set.

She said: ''As head of MI6 I have lots more to do, and much more to be involved in - and some very, very naughty boys to deal with. It's lovely to do, it's a thrilling part to play. And you do get to be a huge figure of authority, you get to boss James Bond about.''