Downton Abbey star Samantha Bond has revealed that even though she is a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing, she would never compete in it.

The actress said: “I’m a huge fan of Strictly. What they undertake is colossal. But it would not be a good idea. I’m so competitive, it would be hideously unattractive, plus the middle-aged women get bumped off first.”

Samantha Bond in Downton Abbey
Samantha Bond stars as Lady Rosamund in Downton Abbey (ITV)

Samantha, speaking to the Radio Times, also revealed who made her star-struck.

She said: “Most recently on Downton, when I met Shirley MacLaine. I’d watched her all my life and all of a sudden here she was in my working environment! She was funny and warm.

“I met Lauren Bacall when she came to see me with her son Stephen while I was on Broadway. I remember thinking ‘Gosh, I’m looking at Humphrey Bogart’s son…”.

Shirley MacLaine
Shirley MacLaine (Evan Agostini/Invision)

Samantha starred as Lady Rosamund, Lord Grantham’s sister, on Downton Abbey.

She is to star in a new six-part ITV series titled Home Fires, which is set to be broadcast in mid-May.