DAME Judi Dench hates to be called a "national treasure" because it "sounds so dusty".

The 'Jane Eyre' actress - who was awarded a Damehood in 1988 - doesn't enjoy being thought of as a British icon because it implies she won't ever change.

She said: "I hate being called a national treasure because it sounds so dusty.

"A national treasure is something that never changes and is sitting there behind glass.

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"I thought it was thrilling to be made a dame, but it hasn't made any difference to my life."

Judi finds her husband, Michael Williams' title much more satisfying, as he has been made a Papal Knight, which was awarded by Pope John Paul II for his contribution to Catholic life in Britain.

She added: "When I got made a dame, my husband Michael was nothing - just Mr. -but in the end he became a Papal Knight, which is much grander!"

Judi, 76, also spoke of her delight at not being asked to play a "stuffy old bird" in her new movie 'Jane Eyre', which is based on the book by Charlotte Bronte.

She added to the October issue of Good Housekeeping magazine: "It's not a role I ever thought I would play but I love the book. It's darkly romantic. I've always thought Mrs. Fairfax was rather a wicked old bird but she's not, as it turned out. She was actually all right and befriended Jane."