DAME Judi Dench has been left floored by a 'shock' Royal connection on Who Do You Think You Are?

The acclaimed actress and national treasure is one of the famous faces taking part in the new series of the hit BBC show.

The episode, which airs next week on October 19, reveals one of Judi's maternal ancestors was a lady in waiting in the Danish court.

Speaking ahead of the episode, the 86-year-old said: "I had no idea about any of that.

"Or even that we had any Danish connections but this, I have found out, is my Mother’s family and now of course I want to explore it further.

"And now I believe there are Swedish connections too, this may well prompt a visit there as well!"

When asked if the discovery made her look at herself any different, she replied: "I look in the mirror all the time now and think, 'Awwww Scandinavia!'"

Judi also spoke about her concerns ahead of her participation in the show, explaining: "I am sure that investigating anyone’s past would have parts that could surprise or even shock you.

"The work that researchers do is so thorough that there are bound to be some surprises to be found. Naturally, I was concerned about the possibility of what I might be told."

During her long career, Judi has performed Shakespeare on numerous occasions, as well as winning an Oscar in 1998 for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love.

To her delight, the show also found she had a family connection to the Bard,as a maternal ancestor attended performances by a travelling English actor who was one of William Shakespeare's favourite players.

Dame Judi said: "I hope my maternal eight times Grandmother liked Shakespeare otherwise she might have given the evening a miss!

"But knowing that Will Kempe visited the castle and presumably performed there does make me feel that I have got a step nearer to my beloved Shakespeare."

Who Do You Think You Are? airs on October 19 on BBC One.

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