‘I find it insulting’: Helen Mirren criticises The One Show presenter for using the word ‘feisty’

Oscar-winning actor said she wants to ‘find another word’ to describe strong women

Helen Mirren called out The One Show presenter Alex Scott for her “insulting” use of the word “feisty” during a live broadcast of the show on Wednesday night.

After a montage of Mirren’s best roles were shown, including her portrayals of Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine the Great, Scott said she admired the Oscar-winning actor for all the “strong, feisty women” she had played.

The remark did not go down well with Mirren, who said: “I have to say I don’t like the word feisty. I don’t know why. I think it’s because it’s always related to women.

“They never say feisty man, kid maybe, but I find it slightly insulting, I don’t know why. I want to find another word.”

Scott and her co-host Matt Baker simply responded with a surprised “Oh”.

The actor made similar comments in an interview with The Times in 2015, in which she denounced the use of the word “sassy” for women.

Mirren was on the programme to discuss her forthcoming role in the film The Good Liar, which she stars in alongside Ian McKellen.