Dame Helen Mirren: ‘Prime Suspect’ character would have become a lesbian

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Helen Mirren has claimed that her character on crime drama Prime Suspect would have been a lesbian in later life.

The actress, who played Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison on the drama until 2006, joked about the change to Event magazine.

She said: “That is such a good question… she’s probably gone gay.

“She’s a lesbian, living with a very attractive partner. Happier than sheā€™s ever been, but still not entirely content.”

“She gave up the drinking the moment she left office and never went back to it.

“She does yoga. I would imagine sheā€™s still working, either advising or lecturing, I donā€™t think she can stop ā€“ sheā€™s too driven.

“The police retire quite young so she’s still got a life ahead of her. There are limitless opportunities for Jane.”

In 2013, the Oscar winner joked the next person to play the Doctor in sci-fi drama Doctor Who should be “a gay black woman”.

She said: “I’m not going to be the first female Doctor Who ā€“ no, no, no. I absolutely wouldn’t contemplate that.

“I do think it’s well over-time to have a female Doctor Who. I think a gay, black female Doctor Who would be the best of all.ā€