Judi Dench Voices Parrot

Dame Judi Dench impersonated a parrot to save money.

The 'Notes On A Scandal' actress recently filmed reprised her role as Matty Jenkins in UK TV drama 'Cranford' and said she offered to lend her voice to an alternative, more unusual, part.

She explained: "Watch out for the scenes in 'Cranford' featuring a parrot. When you hear him squawking and making those clicking noises in his throat, it's me. I happened to be in the editing suite and I said, 'I'm sure I can do it, I'll be a lot cheaper'."

While filming the drama, Judi admitted she wished she had tried out some of her other skills because she was so cold wearing period costume.

She said: "We begged for more mittens - for new mittens - but we didn't get our way. They're woollen mittens and if you wear them for a long while, they stretch. So consequently, between takes, you find yourself picking at them and then they stretch.

"I could have knitted or crocheted a couple of pairs, now I come to think of it!"