Dame Helen's 'passion' for Marr

Dame Helen was on Andrew Marr's show earlier this year

Actress Dame Helen Mirren has revealed that she would like to share "a night of passion" with the BBC's Andrew Marr.

The Oscar winner joked: "Aren't those ears great? I just want to grab them" in an interview with Glamour magazine.

"He's like some fabulous, little, wonderful animal. And so incredibly smart," added the 63-year-old.

Dame Helen, who has been married to film director Taylor Hackford for 10 years, was interviewed by Marr on his Sunday morning show in October.

Together forever

The actress told the magazine that the political journalist was awe-struck by her and "practically forgot how to speak".

She was asked in the interview which living man she would like to share a night a passion with - and plumped for Marr.

Dame Helen paid tribute to Andrew Marr's trademark ears

Speaking of her marriage, the actress, who won a slew of awards for portraying the Queen, said it had never been her intention to marry.

"Economics are basically the only reason to get married, but I'm very glad I did it. I ended up loving it more than I thought I would.

"I love that I am committed to him and he is to me, and I am utterly convinced that we will be together until I die or he dies," added Dame Helen.

The actress, who divides her time between Britain and the US, denied that she would leave the country due to the tough economic climate.

"Absolutely not. You sit those things out and, if anything, it's a time to be more loyal and committed to your country. This is my home, it always will be."

Her interview with Glamour magazine will be published in full next month.