I hate it: Judi Dench on being called 'national treasure'

Judi Dench, who has had a prolific and award-winning acting career, says she does not want to be called a "national treasure".

In an interview with The Times, the 82-year-old star says she despises the term and often asks people not to use it for her.

"'... National treasure!' Oh, please don't say that! Everyone says it, everyone. It's horrible, it's awful. I hate it," says Dench.

"I'd like much more to be the 'Notes on a Scandal' woman than the 'Marigold Hotel' woman, do you know what I mean?"

In the 2006 psychological thriller-drama film, Dench plays an older high school teacher who has a love affair with a younger woman, whereas in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", she plays a widowed housewife who comes to India on a holiday.