Stephanie Beacham robbed by hammer-wielding burglar at London home

Stephanie Beacham was robbed by a hammer-wielding burglar during a break-in at her London home, a court heard on Friday.

The Dynasty actress, 75, was at her £750,000 home in Bayswater, West London, on September 25 last year when she was confronted by the alleged male intruder.

Her jewellery, keys, chequebook, purse and mobile phone were all stolen during the break-in, Southwark crown court heard.

David Wilson, 56, has been charged with aggravated burglary and robbery and is due to face trial later this year.

It is alleged he went into Ms Beacham's home “as a trespasser” and had “a weapon of offence, namely a hammer”.

Prosecutor Gregor McKinley requested the court to list the case for trial as soon as possible, saying it involves “allegations against someone who is now an elderly victim”.

He added: “The Crown is pleased the case could come on in February, especially given the age and vulnerability of the victim.”

At a court hearing on December 21, Wilson pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary and robbery as the case was set for a three-day trial starting on February 8. The actress is expected to be called as a witness in the case.

In a separate case, Wilson, of no fixed address, is accused of breaking into the home of a pensioner in Sheffield to steal a snooker competition medal, a step ladder and a mattress.

Judge Nicholas Rimmer remanded Wilson in custody until his trial, with a further pre-trial hearing set for February 1.

‘Acting keeps me young’

Ms Beacham achieved global renown for her role as Sable Colby in the classic Eighties US soap opera Dynasty, opposite the likes of John Forsythe and Joan Collins. She also appeared in 49 episodes of the Dynasty spin-off show The Colbys.

The actress, who has dated Marlon Brando, Eric Clapton and Imran Khan, has also tried her hand at reality TV, having appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2010.

The Golden Globe-nominated actress starred in BBC drama Tenko and has more recently made guest appearances in shows including Bad Girls and Casualty. It was confirmed in October last year that she would reprise her role as Ken Barlow’s love interest in Coronation Street, following a successful stint on the ITV soap in 2009.

Speaking last month, the veteran star said she was delighted to return to Corrie.

She told The Mirror: “Taking on a part where it doesn't matter what I look like is a very exciting thing. It didn't matter how I was lit or what angle I was shot from. It makes me breathe a sigh of relief and think, ‘At last’.”

“The important thing was playing the character as I was taught from the inside out, rather than all the concentration being on the external. Beneath the external packaging, so to speak, I am a perfectly developed and still developing creature with so much life experience to bring to a role.”

Beacham said she was looking forward to taking on similar roles in the future and doesn’t plan on retiring as it “keeps me young”.

She added: “I don’t think actors retire. We just carry on until we can’t do it anymore. Acting, with all its challenges, keeps me young.”