Dame Judi Dench tears up as she's asked about Maggie Smith at Cheltenham Literature Festival

Dame Judi Dench got emotional after being asked about her late friend Maggie Smith.

It was announced on Friday, September 27 that the iconic star had tragically died aged 89. The Harry Potter icon's family said that they were "devastated" by her loss as they went on to thank NHS staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. Her colleagues and fans were quick to pay tribute to her, with Daniel Radcliffe saying he was 'amazingly lucky' to have been able to work with her.

At the Cheltenham Literature Festival this week, Dame Judi, 89, was asked about her late friends Maggie and Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who died several weeks before at the age of 88. The Shakespeare In Love actress teared up as interviewer Brendan O'Hea asked about her close friends.

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"I know I probably shouldn't bring this up, I know the last week has been tricky for you because you lost your great friends Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt," he asked the award-winning actress. He also questioned what she meant when she previously compared grief to petrol when talking about her late husband Michael Williams who died from lung cancer in 2001.

Their friendship began when they met backstage at the Old Vic Theatre in London when they were both young actresses
(Image: Getty Images)

"I suppose the energy that's created by grief..." it was reported Dame Judi said before she stopped and teared up. Dame Judi and Dame Maggie's friendship began when they met backstage at the Old Vic Theatre in London when they were both young actresses. In 2002, Maggie spoke at a tribute event for Judi.

The Downton Abbey actress said: "What I remember mostly about that time, is it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world. Judi's the most tremendous friend. She's been a huge support and hugely loyal."

Oscar-winning actress Maggie passed away peacefully in hospital with her family by her side last month. Her family said that they were "devastated" by her loss as they went on to thank NHS staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

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