Fans of The One Show found themselves cringing after actress Helen Mirren pulled up host Alex Scott for using a word she found “insulting”.
As the legendary film star joined Strictly‘s Alex and presenter Matt Baker in the studio last night (30.10.19), the programme aired a clip showing some of the most famous roles she’s played over the years.
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Alex, kicking off the interview, said: “Watching that, it just makes me smile because there are some strong, feisty women you’ve played.”
But Helen took issue with Alex’s use of the word ‘feisty’, as she replied: “Well, you know, I have played housekeepers as well. I’m playing a cleaner in my next film, so I hope there’s a bit of variety there. Those are all great roles, for sure.
I was being the boss there wasn’t I?
“I have to say, I don’t like the word ‘feisty’. I don’t know why, it’s something to do with… I think it’s because it’s always related to women. They never say a ‘feisty man’. I find it slightly insulting, I don’t know why. I want to find another word for feisty.
She then added, laughing: “See, I was being the boss there wasn’t I?”
Dame Helen Mirren does not like the word "feisty". 😬
Mention it again @AlexScott and you'll feel the full wrath of The Boss! 😀#TheOneShow pic.twitter.com/9thKvbQAlx
— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) October 30, 2019
On Twitter, viewers were divided over the “cringeworthy” moment, with some relating to what Helen said and others rushing to Alex’s defence.
One said: “Don’t think that was necessary, cringeworthy in fact! @AlexScott you handled it brilliantly!”
Another tweeted: “I totally agree with Helen Mirren regarding the word ‘feisty’! I have been called that often and it is a derogatory term used against women. I am polite, I respect others, yet I will defend my friends and myself. If you ask for my opinion, it will be my opinion you receive.”
A third suggested: “Instead of ‘feisty’, what about ‘courageous’ or ‘bold’?”
Someone else said: “Felt sorry for @AlexScott, she clearly didn’t mean to offend Helen! Was very over the top!”
Elsewhere in the interview, they talked the projects in which Helen has played British monarchs.
Matt said: “You’ve played both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II?”
“In the same year, which was weird!” Helen told him, adding: “That was quite a year. A lot of research for both [roles], obviously.”
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They then showed a recent photo of the Queen from the royal dressmaker and Helen commented: “Oh look, oh how lovely. I’ve seen her in the country, she’s often like that. In the Barbour jacket, watching the horses. Walking with the dogs. She’s a country woman at heart.”
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