Renowned actress Dame Sheila Hancock has shared her three secrets to , having recently celebrated her 92nd bithday earlier this year.

Having graced some of the country's most beloved TV shows and films over the years, her acting journey began on stage in the 1950s. This led to her being cast in numerous West End productions during her early career.

As time went on, her reputation grew, leading her to transition from the stage to various roles in both cinema and TV. Her debut was in the much-adored BBC series Rag Trade in the early 1960s.

Before long, she began securing a string of high-profile roles in shows such as Doctor Who, EastEnders, and The Catherine Tate Show. One of her most recent performances was in ITV's Unforgotten.

Lately, she has appeared in a host of TV shows alongside her close friend Gyles Brandreth, including their joint venture in Great Canal Journeys on Channel 4.

During a recent guest appearance on Katherine Ryan's What's My Age podcast, the actor divulged how she has maintained such good health at 92. She attributed it to maintaining a positive "mental attitude" and staying "curious", which have served her well throughout the years.

She also revealed how her career has helped her maintain her fitness levels. Additionally, she mentioned that attending dance classes and gym sessions have contributed to her physical wellbeing.

While she acknowledged that "sensible" eating is another key to her long life, she confessed to indulging in occasional treats over the years, remarking: "Well, not always, but I've mainly eaten sensibly, except of course one eats after the show and all the silly things."

She also noted the contrast between her health and that of her peers, stating: "But I know that I am better than most of my contemporaries in terms of health."

Furthermore, she mentioned her resilience to medical procedures, saying: "I mean, I haven't had any replacements or anything like that. But then I think I've got quite a high pain threshold. I'm quite good with pain."

Additionally, she explained her choice to endure recent hip pain without resorting to surgery, implying that others her age might have opted for a hip replacement.