Helen Mirren ‘haunted’ by bikini shot

The actress believes the image of her holidaying in Italy will follow her around forever

She may be an Oscar-winning actress with a CV jam-packed with critically acclaimed roles, yet Helen Mirren thinks that she’ll always be remembered for that bikini picture of her holidaying in Italy.

The image showed the London-born Dame in a bright pink two-piece with white piping stood on some rocks looking out to sea whilst on holiday three years ago, and inspired older women around the world to feel sexy and confident about their bodies.

However, speaking at a press conference in the capital to promote her new Cold War thriller, The Debt, the 66-year-old revealed that she feels the picture will ‘haunt’ her forever.

She said: 'I think the thing that will haunt me for the rest of my life is that bloody photograph of myself in a bikini. In and of itself, it is a lie because I don't actually look like that and I know that that is going to haunt me forever and I'll be forever trying to bury it unsuccessfully.'

Later that evening Helen hit the red carpet in Mayfair for the London premiere of the film, looking elegant in a burgundy wrap-over jacket and matching skirt by Donna Karan accessorised with matching strappy heels by Rene Caovilla , a black clutch and jewelled drop earrings.

Looking good Helen, looking good!