James Bond star Judi Dench 'admits fading eyesight means she can no longer read or paint'

The Oscar winning actress , 79, suffers from macular degeneration which makes working difficult - but says she will not retire

James Bond star Dame Judi Dench says her eyesight has deteriorated to such an extent that 'she can no longer read or paint.'

The British film icon, 79, suffers from macular degeneration which makes working difficult - 'but says she will not retire.'

The Oscar-winning actress has said in the past that others have to read her scripts to her because she is no longer able.

Her poor vision even means she struggles to identify people during interviews and she finds it difficult to watch movies.

During an interview in the US, she said: "I never want to make much of it [her eyesight problems], but it is difficult, very, very difficult.

"I can't read anymore. I can't paint like I used to.

"I try to watch movies but it's quite difficult."

But the defiant Dame, who player 'M' in the Bond films, said she has no intention of retiring, the Sunday Telegraph reports.

Dame Judi described 'retire' was "the rudest word in my dictionary."

Best known for her film roles, she is also a renowned theatre actress who has worked for the National Theatre Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company. 

Married to actor Michael Williams until his death from cancer in 2001, she has won ten BAFTAs amongst other awards.