The Murder, She Wrote star took to the New York stage earlier this year (09) as Madame Arcati in the Noel Coward play and landed the prestigious Tony Award for Best Featured Actress.

But the 84 year old confesses her success is largely down to the help of a carefully hidden earpiece - because her memory isn't as sharp as it used to be.

And Lansbury is not ashamed of receiving a little extra help.

She says, "It's not something you ever want to do, but if we're going to play important roles at our age, where our names are above the title on the marquee, we're going to ask for some support if we need it."

The actress will return to the stage in a Broadway revival of A Little Night Music this December (09).