Eileen Atkins Recalls How Judi Dench Charmed Her with Cake on 'Cranford' Set

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Dame Eileen Atkins has shared a charming story about how the two bonded over Dame Judi Dench's home baking.
It happened around 15 years ago, when the two actresses (and firm friends) were working together on the acclaimed BBC costume drama series Cranford.
"We could hardly do the first read-through because we were all laughing so much," Atkins told The Observer. "Judi used to bring cakes round every morning. I’d refuse, saying, 'I don't have a sweet tooth.' And one day I heard her say, 'Don't offer one to Eileen, she doesn't have a sweet tooth.’ She sounded a bit cross and Judi is never cross."
Continuing, Atkins recalled being so taken back that she had frustrated Dench that she changed her eating habits.
"I said to myself, ‘Eileen, would it do you any harm just one day to accept one of Judi’s cakes?’" Atkins continued. "So the next time they came around I took a piece. And it was wonderful! Now every year on my birthday I have that same cake. Judi has a gift for bringing people together."
If you fancy seeing more of the friendship between these fabulous actresses, you can look for them both in the 2018 documentary film Tea with the Dames, which also features Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright.
Are you surprised to hear Dame Judi Dench has yet another talent?