Dame Helen Mirren keeps her Academy Award on the stairs

Speaking on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon', she said: "I keep my Academy Award on the stairs actually, in my house in London; half-way up the stairs."

Despite her many successes in her career - including two Golden Globe wins and a BAFTA Academy Fellowship - Helen feels as though it is hard for women to earn a living through acting.

She said: "I've been lucky, but if you look at any drama it's still five-to-one men to women. There are a few women in main roles and although it's changing it's still difficult for most to earn a living.

"Many I grew up with are immensely talented yet can't. It's much easier for men."

The 'Hundred-Foot Journey' star also denied the "insanely and outrageously wrong" reports that she is one of the highest-paid actresses.

She added: "What else can you do but laugh, so long as the taxman doesn't take it seriously."