Dame Judi 'too old' for TV

Actress Judi Dench was snubbed by three American TV talk shows because they think she is too old, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein claimed yesterday.

Dame Judi, 71, has been nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Mrs Henderson Presents, which was distributed by Mr Weinstein's production company Miramax Films.

He revealed that Dame Judi was turned down for interviews by NBC's Today show and ABC's Good Morning America and The View.

'They said she didn't fit their demographics. I told that to my mother, who was pretty offended,' he added.

'I mean, what do they think, 25-year-old-people can't watch 70-year-old people? The insanity of youth. It also assumes none of us like our families.'

Bill Geddie, executive producer of The View, said Dame Judi had appeared a number of times on the show, including to promote Shakespeare In Love.

He said: 'I was never pitched Dame Judi Dench to appear in support of Mrs Henderson Presents. We would welcome her back to the show anytime.'

Bridgette Maney, from Good Morning America, said: 'This time we were unable to accommodate an appearance. We would welcome her back again.'