Dame Judi Dench hailed as Greatest Stage Star Of All Time

Bond star dame Judi Dench has been named the greatest stage star of all time in a new poll.

The actress has worked in theatre since the 1950s and has received seven of the prestigious Olivier Awards - more than any other performer, reports the Daily Express.

In the poll by acting publication The Stage, Judi Dench saw off competition from the man her accolades are named after to be crowned queen of the theatre.

After hearing the news, Dench said, "I'm completely at a loss for words but it's one hell of a thing to live up to."

In second place was Dame Maggie Smith, Mark Rylance was in third and McKellen in fourth.