Poor Judi Dench. The 74-year-old actress had just finished performing in her new Madame De Sade play in London when she suffered a painful injury on Thursday.

As Dench was leaving the theater yesterday, she tripped and collapsed on the floor screaming in pain. Several onlookers and theatergoers rushed to help. Many were thinking she was suffering from a stroke.

Dench had to be rushed to the hospital only to learn she had seriously damaged her ankle.

One worried fan on the scene said, “It was absolutely horrifying, seeing Dame Judi fall like that. One minute I was saying to my friend 'there's Dame Judi' and the next minute she fell over, grasping her arm and screeching in pain."

The source added, “She kept screaming 'arrgh' over and over again. We ran over and helped her up. Unbelievably, she gave us a glowing smile as we lifted her off the ground. It looked very serious but she didn't want to get into an ambulance and we later cancelled it.”

Instead Dench had her aides drive her to get checked out. And after examining her, doctors ordered she stay off her ankle and stay out of work.

Dench's rep confirmed and added, "Doctors have advised that she bring no weight to bear on her foot for the time being. The Donmar theatre company and Judi apologise for any upset or inconvenience this may cause, and wish to reassure those with tickets that it is her intention to return to the role next week.”

Let's hope she has a speedy recovery!

[Image via WENN.]