Joanna Lumley makes ageing 'decision' and admits 'I don't have much time left'

Absolutely Fabulous star Dame Joanna Lumley has spoken candidly about ageing, admitting her fears that she doesn't have "much time left"

Dame Joanna Lumley has candidly spoken about the realities of ageing, confessing that she feels she doesn't have "much time left".

The esteemed British actress, who began her career as a model, has earned widespread respect throughout her acting journey.

Now 79, Dame Joanna first gained prominence in the 1960s with several popular TV roles and later transitioned to film.

Her impressive filmography includes a role in the 1969 James Bond film, but it was her portrayal in Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 that cemented her status as a household name. Alongside creator Jennifer Saunders, the show quickly became a BBC sensation.

Although Absolutely Fabulous concluded its initial run four years after its debut, it remains one of the UK's most celebrated sitcoms, with numerous specials over the years.

As she approaches her 80th birthday next year, Dame Joanna has been reflecting on growing older and the apprehension that comes with it.

Celebrating her 79th birthday earlier this month, she shared her thoughts with Vernon Kay on his BBC Radio 2 show, saying: "As you near the top of the hill, you suddenly think, 'Gosh, there's not all that much time left".

She reflected: "My time must be coming quite soon, and I don't want to have wasted a minute of being on this beautiful planet. I used to panic when I was young, but as I've got older, I've started to live day to day. With age, you work out what matters. I always knew that good stuff would come along when I was older."

As her milestone 80th birthday looms next May, she has made it very clear that elaborate celebrations are not on her wishlist.

She's admitted to finding the prospect of a lavish party quite off-putting, revealing to the Mail her preference for a working birthday: "No, why would you do that? So on my big, special day, fingers crossed, I'll be working. It's always good luck to be working on your birthday."

Meanwhile, she is gearing up for a return to television today with the premiere of her new series, Joanna Lumley's Danube, which will be broadcast on ITV.

The show will follow the Absolutely Fabulous icon around the globe, beginning with an exploration of Germany's enchanting Black Forest where the great Danube river has its origins.

Catch the debut episode of Joanna Lumley's Danube airing tonight at 9pm (May 23) on ITV.