Phyllis Logan, best known for playing Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey, has spoken out about the pressures of cosmetic surgery in the entertainment industry. The 70-year-old actress, who turned 70 in January, said she has never felt the need to go under the knife, despite working in an industry that often prioritises youth and image. 'I think, well, what's the point now? I never would,' she said. 'People know what age I am. And so I'm not going to pretend I'm anything other than that.'
Logan, who has appeared in every series of Downton Abbey and its three subsequent films, said she has resisted cosmetic tweaks throughout her career. She recalled a fan once telling her, 'You look 30 years older on the telly,' to which she replied, 'All right.' The actress added that she is not bothered by no longer being seen as a 'sex symbol,' noting that she never received wolf whistles even in her youth.
Despite her age, Logan said she has worked more since her mid-50s than earlier in her career. She acknowledged that actresses in their 40s to mid-50s often face a 'lost' period, being neither young enough for ingenue roles nor old enough for grandmother parts. Now, she joked, she is firmly in the 'old granny' category and happy to embrace it.
Logan also addressed rumours that she might have been asked to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, laughing off the idea. 'I might have been (asked), but if they'd asked a wee while ago, then I might have, but I'd be one of those that broke their ankle within the first week of rehearsals,' she said. She added that she can dance to a certain extent but could never match the performances she sees on the show.
Reflecting on her career, Logan said she feels 'obliged to keep going' if the industry continues to offer her work. She cited Sian Phillips, who is nearly 93 and still performing, as an inspiration. 'If I can keep going like her, till then, I'd be very happy,' she said.
