Pierce Brosnan backs assisted dying and reveals how he would like to die

Hollywood stars Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan have shared their support for assisted dying while promoting their new film. The beloved British actors revealed their views in an interview with Saga Magazine, with Dame Helen, 80, saying: "I absolutely believe in assisted dying."

Pierce, 72, agreed and said he had "watched the suffering of dear ones". The James Bond star added: "I think when my time comes, I'd like to be able to have the choice to say: 'Okay, let's have that cup of tea and say goodbye.'" Dame Helen added: "Yes, in a warm and loving way. I do absolutely believe in that."

Their comments echo the views of an overwhelming majority of the UK public and come as the country is moving closer to legalising assisted dying.

Westminster MPs backed Kim Leadbeater's landmark Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at a major vote in June. It has now progressed to the House of Lords where it will face a second reading on September 12.

Graham Winyard, director of campaign group My Death, My Decision, said: "It's powerful to see cultural icons like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan adding their voices to this cause.

"They reflect what so many families across the UK feel - that compassion, dignity, and choice should guide our laws at the end of life. We want to thank them for their support on this important issue."

Dame Helen and Pierce star in the new film adaptation of Richard Osman's best-selling book, The Thursday Murder Club.

It follows a group of retirement home residents who meet to look over cold cases and become embroiled in a real-life mystery.

Dame Helen, who plays retired spy Elizabeth in the film, told Saga her character was "more realistic" than Bond.

She added: "But not so much fun as Bond! I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work.

"James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else."

Pierce also shared his reflections on ageing during the interview, saying: "I don't see myself as an old man at all.""

He went on: "But I suppose I would be considered an old man by some and I am getting older, that's for sure.

"So The Thursday Murder Club dealt with all of those intricacies of the heart that are so fragile to look at sometimes."