(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Dame Judi Dench says her late husband loved "living with a Bond woman".

The star was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001. Judi has revealed her spouse was thrilled when she was offered the role of M in the 1995 movie Goldeneye. While the actress had some doubts about her suitability, Michael was adamant she should play James Bond's boss.

"I paused, but Michael didn't, he said, I want to live with a Bond woman,'" she told a UK TV show. "I didn't realise at the time how unbelievably important it would be that it was played by a woman and not my hero Bernard Lee... I didn't realise it would cause such a stir, which it did when Goldeneye came out."

Judi has reprised the role of M - the head of the British Secret Intelligence Service for the latest instalment, Skyfall.

The 77-year-old is surprised to still be involved in the iconic spy franchise.

"I never imagined seven Bonds ago that I would be playing the part seven Bonds later," she smiled. "We are in an unbelievable minority of people who chose to do something and can work at it and make a living." (C) Cover Media