David Dimbleby Tattoo: 'Modest' Scorpion For Broadcaster... & Ten Other Unlikely Inkings (PICTURES)

Unlikely Tattoos: David Dimbleby Has A Scorpion, What Did Churchill & Orwell Have?
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You’re never too old to be inked. And at the age of 75, broadcaster David Dimbleby is no exception.

The Question Time presenter told the Radio Times that he had a "modest" image of a scorpion tattooed on his right shoulder.

And he revealed he is delighted with the result.

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Tat's right: David Dimbleby has had a tattoo at the age of 75

"You are only old once. I have always wanted a tattoo. I thought I might as well have it done now. It's a dream come true for me," he said.

Dimbleby, who has been presenting the BBC's general election coverage since 1979, got the tattoo while making the maritime series Britain And The Sea, set for broadcast later this month.

Followed by cameramen, he visited the Vagabond tattoo studio in east London.

"It took about 30 minutes - an hour in all - and I thought of Winston Churchill having his done while mine was being done. It wasn't painful at all, it just zings a bit. It's modest," he said.

Unlikely tattoos
Sir Winston Churchill (01 of10)
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The former PM boasted an anchor on his right arm. (credit:PA)
George Orwell(02 of10)
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Orwell had tattoo marks on the backs of his hands. The tattoos were blue spots in the shape of small grapefruits on each knuckle. (credit:PA)
Samantha Cameron (03 of10)
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The wife of the PM has a dolphin on her right ankle. (credit:PA)
Dame Helen Mirren(04 of10)
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"I was very, very drunk. It was a very, very long time ago, when only sailors and Hell's Angels were tattooed, honestly, and prisoners," Mirren told US TV's Good Morning America in 2010. (credit:Getty Images)
Sean Connery (05 of10)
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Connery had "Scotland Forever" and "Mum and Dad' etched onto his skin during his three years in the Navy. (credit:PA)
Felicity Kendall (06 of10)
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Kendall got her first inking done at the age of 63 and now has two. A star represents her younger son and a moon surrounded by feathers is a tribute to her elder son and grandchildren. Last year she also revealed she planned to have a turtle etched on her shoulder. (credit:PA)
Fern Britton(07 of10)
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Britton had her first tattoos - two butterflies on her stomach - at the age of 53. The presenter said she had been inspired by Felicity Kendall's skin art. (credit:PA)
Barbie (08 of10)
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1999's Butterfly Art Barbie flaunted a tattoo on her tummy. Following complaints from concerned parents, it was discontinued the same year and now periodically surfaces on eBay. (credit:AP)
Franklin D Roosevelt (09 of10)
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FDR reportedly bore a tattoo of his family crest on his chest. (credit:PA)
Steve-O(10 of10)
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Not so unlikely but we had to get it in somewhere - Jackass joker Steve-O had his own likeness etched on his back. And instantly regretted it. (credit:Getty)

"It can't be seen unless I choose to show it to someone. I'm rather fond of it actually, this little scorpion sitting on my shoulder ready to attack my enemies."

Dimbleby said that he decided to have the scorpion because Scorpio is his star sign.

"It's beautifully done, actually. It's a work of art. They have these 3D tattoos now that are done using photographs, which are just astonishing, but I wasn't about to have one myself.

"And then there's Cheryl Cole's bottom," he said of the singer, whose derriere and lower back are now entirely covered with an image of roses.

"I wasn't tempted to have any private parts decorated, I have to tell you. I thought the shoulder was the most discreet place. I didn't want it on my arm because it would show every time I rolled up my sleeve."

Dimbleby said that he might be able to persuade his wife Belinda to get a tattoo, adding: "I think she's mildly amused. I believe she wanted a tattoo once, but has never got around to it."