Dame Judi Dench tears up as she's asked about friend Maggie Smith

Dame Judi Dench was left tearful after being asked about her friendship with fellow actor Maggie Smith, who died last week at the age of 89.

During the Cheltenham Literature Festival this week, interviewer Brendan O'Hea brought up the recent passing of two of her dear friends - Dame Maggie and Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who died in recent weeks at the age of 88.

Dame Judi, 89, was visibly moved at the mention of her friends. In an interview at the festival, actor and director Mr O'Hea said: "I know I probably shouldn't bring this up, I know the last week has been tricky for you because you lost your great friends Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt."

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He delved further into Dame Judi's experiences with grief, asking why she compared the emotion to petrol in relation to her husband Michael Williams, who passed away in 2001 due to lung cancer. Attempting to articulate her feelings, she said, "I suppose the energy that's created by grief...", but was unable to finish as she became tearful.

The long-standing friendship between Dame Judi and Dame Maggie first developed backstage at London's Old Vic Theatre as they started their journeys as young actresses.

Maggie honoured Judi at a tribute event in 2002, reports the Mirror, saying: "What I remember mostly about that time, is it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world. Judi's the most tremendous friend. She's been a huge support and hugely loyal."

Oscar-winning actress Maggie passed away peacefully in hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Her family expressed their deep sorrow, stating they were "devastated" by her passing and extended gratitude to the NHS staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Through their publicist, they released a statement which read: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September."