What was Helen Mirren and Michael Parkinson’s 1975 clash about and why did it spark a sexism row?
It started during an interview in 1975 where the chat show favourite suggested the young actress' figure could undermine her credibility as a serious actor
A DISAGREEMENT between Sir Michael Parkinson and Dame Helen Mirren has lasted more than 40 years.
It started during an interview in 1975 where the chat show favourite suggested the young actress' figure could undermine her credibility as a serious actor - here's what we know...
How did the clash begin?
The interview started with Sir Michael, known as Parky, introducing the rising star as the "sex queen" of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He then quoted a review which detailed Dame Helen's apparent "slutty eroticism" and asked if her "equipment" would hold her back.
By "equipment" he meant her figure - something he clarified when questioned by Helen.
Dame Helen has since described the encounter as "enraging" and "extremely creepy" after she hit back in 1975 with "serious actresses can't have big bosoms, is that what you mean?".
There has never been an apology from Parky, and the disagreement has festered for more than 40 years.
Now, after an interview with magazine in which he revisited the subject, the sexism row has re-emerged.
Does Michael think he did anything wrong?
The chat show host described the spat as "good television" and has said it has never been resolved as neither of them want to "make up".
He has denied his actions and comments were sexist, arguing "if you didn't live in that time, you're not allowed an opinion".
Parky did admit he may have been "a bit over-reactive" but insisted she "presented a provocative figure".
He said he has done nothing he is ashamed of and there is no need for an apology.
The 81-year-old added: "Am I a sexist? No, I'm Yorkshire."
More on Dame Helen Mirren
What was Dame Helen's reaction and did she think it was sexist?
The actress, now 71, : "That's the first talk show I'd ever done. I was terrified. I watched it and I actually thought, bloody hell!
"I did really well. I was so young and inexperienced. And he was such a f****** sexist old fart.
"He was. He denies to this day that it was sexist, but of course it was."
She has since discussed the sexism that she says was rife throughout the 1970s, saying it was still a problem for women as men became bolder.
The clip of her hitting back at him during the now infamous interview has regularly re-emerged in recent years.