Streep proud to represent 'old broads'

Meryl Streep has claimed that film studios should be encouraged to cater to an older female audience.

The 59-year-old said that she is proud to still be acting "on behalf of all the old broads", pointing out that women over 40 were ignored by Hollywood boardrooms in the past.

Streep told the Radio Times: "I think with the success of a few big pictures like Mamma Mia! addressing an audience that, never mind being neglected, have been disdained in the boardrooms, there will be other films that target that audience.

"Mamma Mia! is that rare thing you can enjoy with your mother or your child, and its aim is only to make you happy.

"At 48 you were getting out the shovel ready to go in... I'm out there on behalf of all the old broads and I'm proud to be there."

Streep earlier revealed that she will sign up for a sequel to the record-breaking movie as long as her "fabulous boys" Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard and Dominic Cooper do the same.