Dame Judi Dench can no longer read scripts alone.

The 77-year-old actress admits she is suffering with "macular degeneration" and can no longer see clearly, meaning her 39-year-old daughter Finty needs to read screenplays to her because she cannot do it by herself.

She said: "I can't read scripts any more because of the trouble with my eyes. And so somebody comes in and reads them to me, like telling me a story. It's usually my daughter or my agent or a friend and actually, I like that, because I sit there and imagine the story in my mind.

"I've got what my ma had, macular degeneration, which you get when you get old."

The 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' star is trying to not let the condition beat her, but finds it gets her down when she cannot do a crossword.

She told The Daily Mirror: "You get used to it. I've got lenses and glasses and things and very bright light helps.

"I can do a crossword if it's bright sunshine but if a cloud comes out the next minute I can't see anything."