Dame
Judi Dench agreed to star in a BBC adaptation of
Richard III after a public plea from
Benedict Cumberbatch. The veteran actress was taking part in a question and answer session at the Hay Festival in Powys, Wales when the
Sherlock star - who will take on the title role in the drama this autumn - jumped at the chance to pin her down to the project following lengthy rumors he was keen to have her on board to play Queen Margaret in the Shakespearean tale. Benedict asked: ''Would you like to be in 'Richard III' with me?'' After a lengthy theatrical pause, Judi replied: ''Yeah.'' The actor joined the
Skyfall star on stage for a mini performance of a number of Shakespeare plays, including
Twelfth Night and
Antony and Cleopatra.