Diana Rigg: ‘I’m no feminist’

FORMER Avengers star Dame Diana Rigg has criticised “stupid” women who “carp and moan” about men complimenting their appearance.

The former Bond girl, 74, who made her name in roles such as leather-clad, karate-chopping Emma Peel in The Avengers and in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, said that she was never a feminist.

The actress, who is set to star alongside her 35-year-old daughter, Rachael Stirling, in Doctor Who, said that she would not be interviewed by a woman.

“They’re capable of being much more bitchy than men. Most women won’t agree, but it’s true.”

She said: “I love women but am aware we’re dangerous and deeply competitive, although I gave up being competitive long ago. Feminists deny it, but basically it’s all about men and sex – ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of us all?”’

But Dame Diana, who was last year named Hottest Bond Girl Ever, added: “You can’t pat bottoms, though. You deserve to be slapped for that. It’s condescending. I wouldn’t allow it.”