FIRST LOOK: Maggie Smith looks frail and old as she begins filming The Lady In The Van

DAME Maggie Smith looked worlds away from her role as Violet Crawley as she filmed scenes for her latest movie this week.

00:01, Thu, Oct 23, 2014

Dame Maggie Smith filming outdoor scenes for 'The Lady In The Van' Dame Maggie Smith filming outdoor scenes for 'The Lady In The Van'[FLYNET]

The British actress looked old and frail as she stepped into the shoes of Miss Shepherd for the film adaptation of 'The Lady In The Van'.

The upcoming movie is based on the play written by Alan Bennett, which is an autobiographical piece about an elderly lady who took refuge in the author's Camden garden for 15 years.

It has been a hit in the West End, and is set to do well when it hits the big screen too.

Dame Maggie looked a lot older than her 79 years as she filmed outdoor scenes in London with co-star Alex Jennings.

Dame Maggie plays Miss Shepherd in the film adaptation of the hit play Dame Maggie plays Miss Shepherd in the film adaptation of the hit play [FLYNET]

As the pair wandered the streets of London, Alex pushed Dame Maggie in a wheelchair as she carried two walking sticks and wore an oversized coat and hat.

They were later seen filming scenes at a London market where Dame Maggie wore another grubby outfit as she pushed an old trolley.

They were then joined by comedian James Corden, who appeared to be taking on the role of a market stall trader and was dressed in a red wooly jumper.

TriStar Productions have partnered with BBC Films for the movie, which has been written by Alan and is being directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Dame Maggie was later seen pushing an old pram as her co-star trailed behind her Dame Maggie was later seen pushing an old pram as her co-star trailed behind her [FLYNET]

Comedian James Corden was also spotted filming scenes at an outdoor market Comedian James Corden was also spotted filming scenes at an outdoor market [FLYNET]