Dame Judi Dench has revealed a worrying update amid her ongoing health battleCredit: Getty

Britain’s greatest living actress shares her most painful confession yet.

The former Bond actress, who suffers from age-related macular degeneration, has told how she can’t see anymoreCredit: Rex

Dame Judi Dench, one of the most beloved and respected figures in British theatre and film, has revealed that her deteriorating eyesight has reached the point where she can no longer watch television, read scripts, or even enjoy a stage play.

Online movie streaming services

“I can’t see anymore,” the double Oscar winner said in despair. “When I go to the theatre, I can’t see — hopeless.”

The 90-year-old actress, who has long battled macular degeneration, was speaking at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, where she serves as patron.

“I miss the joy of watching others perform.”

Dame Judi told how she can’t see theatre shows any moreCredit: Getty

For an artist who has spent decades bringing Shakespeare, Bond, and countless other characters to life, the inability to watch her peers perform is especially heartbreaking.

Still, Dame Judi hasn’t lost her sense of humour — or her appetite for gossip. She joked that she manages to keep up with her friend Celia Imrie’s appearances on The  Celebrity Traitors, thanks to friends narrating the action for her.

“Somebody told me what was happening,” she laughed. “I want to hear the dirt that went on!”

Beyond the stage — her powerful call for change

Yet she told how she hd been keeping up to date with pal Celia Imrie’s progress on Celeb Traitors via word of mouthCredit: BBC

Off-screen, Dame Judi has turned her attention to another cause close to her heart: the fight against dementia.

She is lending her voice to a new Alzheimer’s Research UK campaign, urging the government to ensure people receive earlier diagnoses through the NHS.

“Dementia doesn’t just take away memories,” she said. “It can take away identity, connection, and the future you thought you had.”

The screen queen has told how she can’t leave the house unaccompaniedCredit: Rex

Currently, nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia, yet almost a third remain undiagnosed — and some wait up to a year for confirmation.

“Watching loved ones slip away, and not knowing why, is something no one should go through without answers,” she added.

Gift baskets

“A diagnosis gives back time, clarity, and hope.”

Dame Judi explained that earlier diagnoses could give families a chance to plan, find support, and make the most of precious moments together.

“A diagnosis may not fix everything, but it gives people understanding and some control when everything feels uncertain,” she said. “That’s why I’ve signed Alzheimer’s Research UK’s petition — and why I’m asking the public to do the same.”

“Together, we can call on the government to fix the crumbling diagnosis system and make sure no one faces dementia unseen.”

A friend’s loyalty, a public’s admiration

Her close friend Celia Imrie, currently appearing on The Celebrity Traitors, has been by her side through recent years — often sharing laughter and memories that shine through Dame Judi’s declining sight.

Despite her vision loss, Dame Judi continues to inspire millions with her grace, wit, and advocacy — turning personal pain into purpose.

Alzheimer’s Research UK responds

Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, praised Dame Judi’s courage and honesty:

“Everyone with dementia deserves to know what’s happening to them, early enough to access treatments and support.
We’re incredibly grateful to Dame Judi for shining a light on this issue. Hundreds of thousands of people are waiting too long for answers — and that adds to the distress of an already difficult situation.”

Evans-Newton added that the NHS and government must act quickly:

“No one should face dementia alone, or unseen.”

A National Treasure Still Fighting For Others

Even at 90, Dame Judi Dench remains a force of nature — fierce, funny, and fearlessly outspoken. Though she can no longer see the stage lights that once defined her life, she continues to shine a light for others in need.

“If I can’t watch the world,” she once said, “I’ll do what I can to change it.”

And true to her word, she’s doing exactly that.