Judi Dench's partner David Mills addresses 'daunting' aspect of their 11-year relationship

express.co.uk:

Judi Dench, 86, and David Mills, 77, have been together for 11 years, but at the beginning of their relationship he found her fame a little "daunting".

Eventually, it became normal having a partner in the limelight, and he admitted he "found it all fine".They began dating in 2010, which came nine years after the death of Judi’s first husband of 30 years, Michael Williams.Appearing at the RHS Chelsea Flower show together last year, former dairy farmer David said: "Initially it was a bit daunting but we go everywhere."It has made me famous but I have found it all fine."I have met all the Hollywood stars, I get on well with them."He added: "I am not an actor you see."I am not competition to them and that is how it works."Despite being happily in love, the pair have no plans to marry as they enjoy living separate lives.When asked about the prospect of marriage last year, Dame Judi sounded horrified."No, no, no, no, no!" she exclaimed."Let’s just pull ourselves together and be our age!"Even in lockdown, they decided they preferred living in separate houses.David explained: "We talked about that but I think we are far better off as we are as we have got two separate houses."And we are either in one or the other and we are four miles apart."Judi has also previously gushed about her "fantastic" relationship.Speaking to Good Housekeeping back in 2017, she said: "One hot night during the summer, we swam and then had a glass of champagne in the garden and I said, 'This is so fantastic'."But perhaps if I was a romantic I'd have been cool and calm about it."I get a bit over-excited about things!" she beamed..