James Marsden has admitted to "stalking" Dame Helen Mirren.

James Marsden

James Marsden

In an appearance to be broadcast on Monday (28.11.16) on 'The Ellen Degeneres Show', the 43-year-old actor confesses to having a "massive crush" on the 71-year-old Hollywood legend, who just so happened to be appearing as a guest on the same episode.

Speaking to host Ellen, the 'Westworld' actor said: "I just love her, I do. I've had a massive crush on her for years."

The 'X-Men' star - who has three children, Jack, 15 and Mary, 11, with former wife Lisa Linde, and three-year-old William with model Rose Costa - went on to explain how he had "followed" 'The Queen' actress after they shared a flight to Rome.

He continued: "I was on a flight with her once to Rome, and when I got off the flight, I followed her ... to baggage claim, and in a very creepy voyeuristic way, I took a photo of her while she was walking."

When Ellen then pulled up the sly picture James had taken, he couldn't stop himself from cringing with embarrassment.

He said: "Very creepy. I was avoiding seeing her backstage because I didn't want her to know that I was stalking her in the Rome international airport."

In a twist that came as a shock to the 'Second Noah' actor, Ellen then urged Helen to "come on out" to meet James.

The 'Caligula' star then treated James - who is 28 years her junior - to a peck on the lips, as well as posing for photos with the star-struck actor.

Before leaving the stage, Helen said to James: "Very nice to meet you. You're brilliant, and you're so handsome."