Judi Dench can’t read scripts because of failing eyesight

Dame Judi Dench suffers from macular degeneration (Getty Images)

Dame Judi Dench has told of her battle with failing eyesight that has left her unable to read scripts and struggling to watch films.

The 79-year-old actress suffers from macular degeneration, which her mother also had. She told The Hollywood Reporter: “I never want to make much of it, but it is difficult – very difficult.”

"I heard a woman being interviewed on the radio the other day who was 105, and I expected this very frail voice, but this wonderful voice came out and she said to this reporter who was interviewing her, 'I'll tell you one thing,' she said, 'Don't stop anything. I never stop anything I'm doing because otherwise I'll never get started again.' And I thought, 'That'll do."'

Co-star Steve Coogan read the script to her for the recent film Philomena, which has earned the actress an Oscar nomination.

At the time of the nomination, she said: "This is just the loveliest news. I'm so happy for everybody involved, and so proud to have been part of the wonderful experience that Philomena has been."