Dame Judi Dench was stunned to be given a red thong for Christmas in a fun charity video but admitted: "Red's not my colour."
The York-born award-winning actress sneaks down early on December 25 to open her presents - only to be left baffled by the gifts she unwraps.
In the video, the 89-year-old, who attended The Mount School in Dalton Terrace, then reveals what she does not want to find under the tree this year: 'skimpy red underwear, roller blades and a dustpan and brush'.
Dame Judi, who appeared on stage at the Grand Opera House in October talking about her life, dismisses the underwear as "not [her] colour" - and instead promotes ShelterBox's virtual gifts.
A charity spokesperson said: "Instead of spending money on presents that may not hit the mark, why not give to charity and buy a gift that makes a difference."
Dame Judi added: “That’s what I love about ShelterBox.
''Aid items like tents, thermal blankets, and water filters are tangible.
"They make a difference.”
The charity's virtual gifts include life-changing items like shelters, thermal blankets, and cooking sets to help families stay warm.
ShelterBox is currently responding with emergency shelter in Gaza and supporting displaced people across the world in places like the Philippines, Lebanon, Mozambique, Somalia, Chad, Cameroon, and Yemen.
Kirsty Alexander, head of supporter engagement at ShelterBox, urged people to support the charity.
“It’s a time of year when we come together at home with friends and family," Kirsty said.
"A ShelterBox virtual gift can help give others around the world a sense of home too.
“We’re incredibly lucky that Dame Judi has supported ShelterBox for many years, and was such a good sport in helping us make this little film.
"It’s been a joy to work with her on a project that combines humour with a heartfelt message.”
Dame Judi added: “The number of people uprooted from their homes worldwide has never been higher and the need for emergency shelter has never been more urgent.”
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The actress grew up in Heworth with her parents, Eleanora and Reginald Arthur Dench, and brothers Peter and Jeffery.
In 2000, she returned to The Mount School to lay the foundation stone for a new school sports hall.
Regarded as one of Britain's best actresses, Dame Judi, who now lives down south, has amassed a myriad of accolades over her lengthy career, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, four British Academy Television Awards, six British Academy Film Awards and seven Olivier Awards.
She won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in 1998's Shakespeare in Love.
- Visit shelterbox.org to learn more about the charity’s work across the world and how you can make a difference with a Christmas gift.
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