Weak eyesight helped Judi Dench overcome stage fright

Actress Judi Dench says losing her eye sight has helped her by calming her nerves while performing live.

The 79-year-old actress suffers from macular degeneration, an age-related condition leading to loss of vision. She says she was petrified before singing live at the Proms in 2010, but relaxed once she got up on stage and couldn't see the audience, reports mirror.co.uk.

She said: "A more frightening experience I have yet to have. Fortunately, now I can't see very clear, I used to be able to see every member of the audience and exactly what they were doing."

"I can't do that anymore, which in a way is a wonderful blessing. I didn't realise it was a blessing until I went on that night at the Proms."