Cruella no more!
Losing her nasty streak, Helen Mirren hides tell-tale grey
RELAX, your dalmatians are safe. Helen Mirren has not suddenly turned into Cruella de Vil, however it may seem at first glance.
The Oscar-winning actress has merely been transformed into an eccentric grandmother for an advertising campaign. Dame Helen, 73, sports the kooky hairdo to promote a root colouring spray for L’Oreal. Her normal platinum blonde locks are replaced by a tousled chestnut bob with grey-white roots.
The look, completed by a large pair of cat wing spectacles, bright turquoise faux fur cape and outlandish costume jewellery, invites instant comparisons with Cruella de Vil, the dognapping villain in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.
In the light-hearted advert, Dame Helen’s character Maxine looks aghast at the patch of greying hair and squeals. She reaches for a bottle of Magic Retouch, kisses it and applies the root colouring spray.
She appears again transformed, with lustrous – if still tousled – hair and matching, warmer-looking red clothing and accessories.