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“WHAT’S the point of getting old if you can’t break the rules?”

I have been lucky enough to experience many magical moments in my career.

Discussing Tootsie over a Soho lunch with Dustin Hoffman in 1982 is one of thousands.

Dustin Hoffman Soho 1982-1-2

Another was just a few streets and 32 years away from there earlier this month.

The press premiere screening of a 90-minute adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot.

A heartwarming and joyous film to be screened on BBC1 on New Year’s Day – 6:30pm Thursday Jan 1.

Starring Dustin Hoffman as Mr Hoppy, Judi Dench as Mrs Silver and James Corden as the (in-vision) narrator.

With a screenplay by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, reunited for the first time since The Vicar of Dibley.

Resulting in a classic film to charm both adults and children.

Have a very happy Cranford Christmas

WILL Miss Matty find romance in the second of two new Cranford films?

“She deserves a bit of happiness,” I suggested to Dame Judi Dench – the woman who plays her.

“You reckon,” replied Judi, with that trademark twinkle in her eye.

“Well quite. And about bloody time. Poor old Miss Matty.

“She starts to have a really nice time. Wait ‘til Cranford 3,” she laughed.

Imelda Staunton as Miss Pole

HARRY Potter star Imelda Staunton is back in the delicious return of Cranford this Christmas.

Making a valid point about the cast of veteran actresses when we met last month.

“I don’t think we’d have got the parts if we had been Botoxed,” she said.