Offended? Joanna Lumley says wolf whistling is a COMPLIMENT

While some might see wolf-whistling as harmless act, police in Nottinghamshire made their stance on it very clear last July when they included it – along with cat-calling and unwanted verbal contact – under the 'hate crime' category.

And while the move may be welcomed by many women, Joanna Lumley of Absolutely Fabulous fame is far from impressed.

While speaking to The Mirror, the 70-year-old actress suggested that women these days are far too sensitive and would do well to take wolf-whistling in the manner it is 'apparently' intended.

"How can wolf whistling be offensive to women? It’s a compliment," she insisted. "They’re saying ‘Cor you look all right, darlin’. What’s wrong with that?"

Recalling her own youth, the popular actress explained that mysogonistic culture was part and parcel of everyday life.

"We were tougher in those days. You knew someone would whistle in the street and you weren’t insulted," she said. "We have become more sensitive flowers nowadays, people are very offended by everything.”

Using her experience as a model as a way to bolster her argument, she continued: "When I was modelling photographers were much ruder, they’d say ‘You look frightful, what’s the matter with you?’ ‘You look podgy, you look fat as a pig."

Well, that sounds like a right joy.