'I find it slightly insulting' Helen Mirren left unimpressed by Strictly star Alex Scott’s comments

Dame Helen Mirren appeared on an episode of The One Show, where Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alex Scott interviewed her.

Alongside host Matt Baker, Alex praised Helen for her impressive repertoire of roles, saying she admired her for playing “strong, feisty women”, with Helen agreeing that they were all great roles.

However, Helen revealed she wasn’t a fan of the word ‘feisty’, adding, “I have to say I don’t like the word feisty. I don’t know why. I think it’s because it’s always related to women.”

She added, “They never say feisty man, or maybe they do, kid maybe, but I find it slightly insulting, I don't know why. I want to find another word.”

Alex seemed shocked by the star’s response to her compliment, saying “Oh!” in response.

Helen then joked that she was “being the boss there”, to which the two presenters agreed.

However, many Twitter users were quick to jump to Alex’s defence, with one user writing, ‘Felt sorry for @AlexScott she clearly didn’t mean to offend Helen! Was very over the top!’

Another added, ‘Alex was brilliant the way she handled it.’

A third agreed, saying, ‘Not sure it was necessary. I understand where she was coming from. But I am sure @AlexScott meant it as a compliment. Let's not forget Alex is an English Former Footballer I'm sure she is very much a strong feminist.’

One user agreed with Helen, adding, ‘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.’

Recently, Helen Mirren spoke exclusively to woman&home about her latest role, and why she doesn’t consider herself a sex symbol.

She recently starred in Sky Atlantic series Catherine the Great, where she played the titular role. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s everything you need to know about the series to whet your appetite.

Helen's most recent work is in upcoming film The Good Liar, alongside Ian McKellen. It's an intense thriller film which is due to be released on 8th November.

Do you agree with Helen’s views on the word ‘feisty’?