Dame Judi Dench pitches herself for Emmerdale role – get her on the phone, bosses!

Dame Judi Dench pitches herself for Emmerdale role – get her on the phone, bosses! | Soaps Reporter Published October 23, 2026 11:08am Updated October 23, 2026 11:10am I’d like her to be mates with Mary, please (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock/Metro) Dame Judi Dench has graced our screens and stages for more than seven decades, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses. From iconic film roles to beloved television appearances and acclaimed theatre productions, she’s built an extraordinary career. Now, the legendary star has revealed which TV soap she’d like to star in. Judi, who is 91, was on Sara Cox’s Radio 2 breakfast show this morning discussing her incredible life. When topic of conversation turned to whether Judi has ever been asked to join one of the classic TV soaps, she shocked us all when she said no-one has ever made that call! ‘I don’t think I ever have!’, she said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The actress has graced our screens and stages for more than seven decades (Picture: Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock) ‘I’ve never been asked to appear in TV soap opera.’ But which soap would she join? Would she wander the cobbles with Ken Barlow (William Roache)? Fight with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) in Walford? Or flirt with Ross Barton (Michael Parr) in the Woolpack? Judi was certain with her answer. ‘Emmerdale. Driving some sheep! I could be a very serious shepherdess.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Well, Emmerdale bosses, if you’re reading this, get drafting the press release to announce the new character. Dame Judi Dench has spoken! Judi has signed a letter to the BBC’s Director General (Picture: REUTERS) While Judi has never appeared in a British TV soap, she has starred in The Archers, the BBC Radio 4 drama, as Pru Forrest. Judi is among many famous faces who have signed a letter to the BBC’s Director General Matt Brittin, calling on him to commit to keeping the recording of the soap in Birmingham. The letter has been signed by more than 100 current and previous cast members. It states that if The Archers left the Midlands, it would be the equivalent of ‘Corrie leaving the north-west’ or ‘EastEnders leaving the south-east’. Deals of the Day See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in The team of people who have signed the letter believe that abandoning the West Midlands ‘risks ripping out the heart of Ambridge’. Arrow MORE: Real life Emmerdale couple share rare scenes together Arrow MORE: Dame Judi Dench, 91, struggles to recognise faces and people now Arrow MORE: Coronation Street star Eileen Mayers, whose biggest scenes were axed – dies age 94 The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.