Dame Helen Mirren 'refused to profit from THAT bikini snap'

'She's not interested': Dame Helen Mirren 'declined to profit from THAT bikini snap after refusing to brand herself in that way' Dame Helen Mirren caused shockwaves in 2008 when images surfaced of her incredible bikini body on an Italian beach. Business opportunities arose for the then-63-year-old actress, although she reportedly refused them all as she was 'not interested' in profiting from the now-famous shot. The 70-year-old's screenwriter nephew Simon spoke to Sharon Feinstein at The Times about his superstar relative and her insistence not to seek fame.

Simon, who recently penned a new BBC2 period drama Versailles, said: 'I begged her to turn us all into millionaires by marketing bikinis after everyone went wild over her fit bikini body but she said: "Absolutely no". She's not interested. She won't brand herself like that.' Millions of women around the world were left stunned after seeing the picture of Dame Helen in her bikini on holiday yet she admitted that the famous shot will 'haunt' her for the rest of her life. The actress was snapped by a photographer on a beach in Italy on holiday and the pictures quickly cemented her reputation as a sex symbol.

Talking about the shot previously, Helen said: 'I think the thing that will haunt me for the rest of my life is that bloody photograph of myself in a bikini. In and of itself, it is a lie because I don't actually look like that and I know that that is going to haunt me forever and I'll be forever trying to bury it unsuccessfully.' Simon also candidly revealed that his aunt is far from a fame-hungry Hollywood star, as he added: 'What Helen loves is going to Home Depot, where you buy drills, hammers and plants, rather than being seen in posh Hollywood restaurants when you are the talk of the town.'

After Simon's candid confession, Helen was the guest of honour at Saturday night's Die Goldene Kamera awards in Hamburg, where she received Lifeswork International and looking exquisite in a scarlet gown. But Helen didn't expect to have to deliver her acceptance speech on her knees when her microphone slipped to almost half her height on stage. Placing her award down on the floor, the veteran star let her gown scrape across the floor as she gave a comic delivery

The British actress jetted to Germany for the 51st annual Goldene Kamera ceremony, where she was honoured with a prestigious award for her 50-year career. She was looking gorgeous in a bright red dress, which featured glistening embrodery and a flattering A-line shape. Her silver tresses were coiffed back into an elegant style that tucked neatly into her nape and exposed her giant gold earrings.

Helen stunned in a three-quarter length sleeve, shimmery red ballgown, which highlighted her trim figure. The gorgeous gown featured sheer sleeves as well as detailed beading, and she coupled it with a pair of dangling, gold earrings. She complemented the look with a bright red lipstick, also sporting a bit of black eyeliner for the occasion. On stage, after refusing to let the technical difficulty hinder her speech, the moviestar thrust her award into the award with a cheesy grin.

The Woman in Gold star was being honored with the International Lifetime Achievement Award. She most recently starred alongside Bryan Cranston in Trumbo, but will next be appearing in David Frankel's Collateral Beauty. She had obviously been delighted to be in attendance on the night and was animated when she walked the red carpet in Hamburg. Helen blew kisses and teased the photographers not long before taking some time out for the fans and signed pictures as they patiently waited.

Fellow attendees Julianne Moore and Gerard Butler each put their best foot forward on the arrivals carpet ahead of similarly being honored at the long-running show. Julianne, 55, and Gerard, 46, who both sported black, with the former their to receive Best International Actress and the latter picking up Best International Actor. The upcoming drama - which follows a New York ad man after a tragic event sends him on a downward spiral - also stars Will Smith, Rachel McAdams, and Edward Norton. Meanwhile, Julianne sported a floor-length, black cape dress, which featured the cape embellishment on only one arm. The other side flashed Julianne's slender arm as she was later spotted receiving her award for Best International Actress.

She wore her long, red tresses in a center part, and styled in soft waves that cascaded over her shoulders. Julianne highlighted her eyes with a bold, dark liner, balancing out the look by sporting a soft, pink lipstick. She flashed a wide grin as she took to the stage to accept her award, and looked to be in good spirits.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 star has two films slated for the next year, drama Wonderstruck and comedy Suburbicon. She is set to star alongside Matt Damon and Josh Brolin in the latter film, written by the Coen brothers and directed by George Clooney. Gerard looked dapper for the ceremony, as he arrived sporting a fitted, black suit jacket and coordinating trousers.

He coupled the look with a crisp, white button down as well as a black, silk tie, and black dress shoes. The London Has Fallen star showed off a big smile as he walked the carpet ahead of the show, waving at fans. Gerard was honored at Saturday's ceremony with the award for Best International Actor. His upcoming action flick with Aaron Eckhart and Morgan Freeman - London Has Fallen - hits theaters March 4.