Dench hopes Emma Thompson will land a baddie role in Bond 23

Having played M in the last six James Bond films, Dame Judi Dench has a new mission. The Oscar-winning star tells Mandrake that she is keen to help her fellow actress Emma Thompson achieve her stated ambition of playing a "baddie" opposite Daniel Craig.

"It's such a good idea," Dame Judi told The Telegraph at the premiere of her latest film, Nine, at the Odeon Leicester Square. "I'd give her a hard time."

The actress, who turns 75 on Wednesday, is expected to reprise her role as the head of MI6 in the 23rd Bond film.

She said she hoped that Barbara Broccoli, the producer, could find a role for Thompson. "I can barely ask for my own part, but it would be very nice," she added.

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