The truth behind Diana Rigg and George Lazenby’s ‘feud’ on James Bond set

Dame Diana Rigg starred alongside George Lazenby in the sixth film series, Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Although her action-packed role as Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo saw her marry the 007 agent, their chemistry behind the cameras was reportedly far from friendly.

After the film’s release in 1969 speculation erupted about a feud on set after reports of tensions between the actors.

This included rumours of Rigg deliberately eating huge amounts of garlic before her love scenes with Lazenby to throw him off.

However, she fiercely denied these reports, and in an open letter to the press, Rigg accused them of inventing the allegation.

The actress penned: “I’m tired of reading those paranoid statements to the press wherein you were solely surrounded by hostile people.

“I agree that by the end of the film most of the crew were hostile, but only because of your extreme behaviour. Why else would your dresser threaten to hand in his notice?

“Why else would three chauffeurs leave you within a week? Why else was one member of the unit restrained from striking you after one inexcusable and crude outburst against one of the girls in the film?

Rigg added: “No, George, I did not eat garlic on purpose. No, George, I was not, as you said, guzzling champagne in some warm bar when we had the row.”

In a 1981 interview, Lazenby offered a different perspective as he told 007 Magazine: “That was another press thing that blew up in Pinewood.

“We were having lunch just before the love scene, and there were a lot of press around because they were invited that day.

“Diana Rigg was having lunch about four or five tables away and she yelled quite loudly, ‘I’m having garlic today George, I hope you are.’ You know, it was just a joke.

“They took it down as if she ate garlic so she could put me off, but I don’t quite remember smelling garlic on her, and it was quite a lot of fun with her and she’s another bright lady,” he added.