Dame Judi Dench steps out with a new dancing partner

By Mail On Sunday Reporter
UPDATED: 02:40 EST, 16 May 2011

Dame Judi Dench has struck up a close friendship with a wildlife conservationist.

The 76-year-old star has been spotted out on the town with David Mills, who runs an animal park.

They took to the dance floor at the Waldorf Hotel at a party to celebrate the opening night of the West End comedy Betty Blue Eyes last month.

Earlier that evening the pair were arm in arm as they made their way to watch a performance of the show at the Novello Theatre. A clip of their arrival has been posted on YouTube.

A night on the tiles: Dame Judi dancing with wildlife conservationist David Mills

The actress, who plays secret service boss M in the James Bond films, is a regular visitor to the British Wildlife Centre, which is run by Mr Mills and is close to her home in Surrey.

There has been speculation that the star is dating for the first time since the death of her husband and fellow actor Michael Williams in 2001.

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One theatrical source said: ‘They certainly seem very comfortable with each other.

‘The friendship is being talked about quite openly in theatrical circles.

Judi seems very happy with the relationship and in fact her friends say she is the happiest she has been for several years.’

But another source said: ‘I would be very surprised indeed if there was a new man in her life.’

Dame Judi rarely talks about her private life. She declined to discuss or confirm the relationship when approached by The Mail on Sunday.

Mr Mills confirmed that he and the actress were ‘close friends’ when he was approached at the sanctuary.

But when asked if he would deny being in a relationship, he said: ‘Yes I would. This is very difficult.’

The actress opened the centre’s squirrel sanctuary in 2009. Mr Mills told guests: ‘We are very fortunate to have someone who is a great friend of the centre but also without doubt the greatest actress in the world.’

Dame Judi introduced herself as Mr Mills’s neighbour and the mother of an adopted otter called Minnie at the centre.

Comments (37)

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It is their business, no one elses. Leave them alone to live their lives as they wish.

- Anon, Gwynedd , Gwynedd, Wales, 15/5/2011 23:27

Click to rate Rating 68

One of my most favorite people in the world: Dame Judy. LOvely to see her out enjoying herself and being treated like the first-class lady she is. She is the person I would most like to take to lunch.

- nancyb , charlotte, n.c, 15/5/2011 21:56

Click to rate Rating 54

I am very proud to be able to claim,, that I was born on the same day,in the same year, (albeit in very different circumstances), as Dame Judy.. I wish her every happiness.

- Robbo , Penrith. UK, 15/5/2011 21:52

Click to rate Rating 27

Even though from the USA, I have followed Judi Dench for many, many years - I still love the reruns on BBC of As Time Goes By and how could you not love her in the James Bond movies, her theatrical performances, etc. I wish her many more years performing and am thrilled for her if she has found a new "dancing partner". Bless Her!

- Jean , Raleigh, USA, 15/5/2011 21:29

Click to rate Rating 49

They make a lovely couple-best of luck to them both.

- Chloe , Yorkshire, 15/5/2011 21:23

Click to rate Rating 38

This lady has true star quality and glows from the inside out. She is a fantastic actress and I love watching her peform but DM and all other tabloids leave her private life be. I can't stand all this intrusion when people don't deserve it, it's out of order!

- Mrs Mop , In a town where those on benefits ain't worried. Not So Great Britain, 15/5/2011 19:41

Click to rate Rating 49

Love love love her! I hope she is happy and continues acting until she is 110.

- scpslc , Salt Lake City USA, 15/5/2011 19:27

Click to rate Rating 8

I love Dame Judi, I think she is the most wonderful actress alive today and I wish her all the very best ... I hope she's very happy!

- Nikki , Qld, Australia, 15/5/2011 15:05

Click to rate Rating 7

A lovely Yorkshire lass our Judy, she has entertained and made us laugh for years, she deserves some happiness in her private life. Good luck to her!

- Anne , North Yorkshire, 15/5/2011 15:03

Click to rate Rating 8

I adore Judy! If anyone deserves the title 'national treasure' it is Dame Judy Dench! Delighted to see her so happy!