Helen Mirren is thrilled not to be a sex symbol anymore.

She told Stella magazine: "For me, one of the best things about getting older is finally being relieved of the whole sex-symbol tag. There is good and bad in ageing. Each age you become reveals a new person you've become. I loved being young but I've enjoyed every stage in different ways.

"I'm not a goddess type. Never have been. I absolutely love the goddesses. French actresses and Italian actresses always want to be goddesses. But I'm very real.

"In Britain we produce beautiful women. Kate Moss is beautiful but not just because of her looks; her character and personality are why she's still an icon. There's a realness about her that I love."

Although Helen is the face of L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Glow Day Moisturiser, she admitted she has "absolutely no beauty regime".

She explained: "I'm happy being in my 70s and there will be another person in me at 80, hopefully, and I can't wait to meet her. I'm just incredibly grateful to be here and incredibly grateful for my health. When I do anything it's always to do with health, not beauty.

"I sunbathe – I know I shouldn't but I love sitting in the sun. I drink wine and occasionally I'll drink to excess. I eat French fries. I've never managed to go to the gym for longer than two months. I always forget to take my vitamins.

"I've done everything but I haven't done too much of anything – I've never had a Coca-Cola, ever. Sometimes I use hotel body lotion as conditioner for my hair. I'm not particular. Life is too short and too precious."