SHE went away for a romantic holiday with her husband of almost 60 years – and ended up holding hands with movie legend Omar Sharif.

Margaret Blake and her husband Roy were visiting a hotel in Egypt when they saw the 83-year-old Doctor Zhivago star sitting in the bar.

Margaret, 80, of Fairview Drive in Hythe, said: “He was all on his own.

“I asked him if he’d like to join us for a drink but he said he was very tired and would be going to bed soon.

“We went back the following week and he was there again. He pulled out a chair and I sat and held his hand.

“He’s still handsome. I told him every woman in England used to be in love with him and he said ‘Thank you my dear’.”

The Egyptian-born actor was recently reported to be suffering from dementia.

Roy, 82, said: “He’s got a big house nearby but I think he stays in the hotel for about five or six months every year.

“The staff really like him. He also gets a lot of attention from fans but seems to take it in his stride.”

Four months after their encounter with Hollywood royalty, Roy and Margaret have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Roy was working as a steel erector at the first Marchwood Parish Station when he met his wife-to-be at a dance at the Empire Hall in Totton in 1954.

They were married at Christ Church, Colbury, in June the following year.

After leaving the power station Roy worked as an Esso tanker driver in Southampton and Fawley. His wife was employed by BT as a clerical officer in Southampton.

The couple have a son, Graham, 56, and a daughter, Elaine, 58, who both live in the New Forest. They also have two grandsons.

Roy believes the secret of a long and happy marriage is “give and take”.

He said: “I don’t do all the men’s jobs and Margaret doesn’t do all the women’s jobs. In fact I’m now chief cook.”