Jackson won two Academy Awards for Best Actress in the 1970s for Women in Love and A Touch of Class, but quit stage and screen work in 1992 shortly before she became a Member of Parliament (MP) in her native Britain.

The 79 year old stepped down from politics ahead of the U.K. general election in May (15) and she is now returning to acting by starring in a radio drama adaptation of French writer Emile Zola's novels.

The first instalment of the drama, Emile Zola: Blood Sex and Money, will air on BBC Radio 4 in November (15). Jackson will play a 104 year old who recalls her youth as she lives in an asylum.