Much-loved Dame Vera, who is 102, lambasted both for potentially robbing older people – who might not be able to afford the licence fee – of having a vital source of communication with the outside world. Backing our call for a complete rethink of the decision, she said a change of heart was now vital. Incensed Dame Vera said: “I can’t understand and am very upset as to why the Government and the BBC want to deprive older people of what is going on in the outside world when they most need communication. Anything that helps them keep in touch outside their own home is very important.

“They may not be able to go out and see what is going on and television helps keep their minds active.

“I find it very important to be able to switch on and see people singing and dancing, and also to watch other programmes which I like very much, and it keeps me interested in life as I can’t get out like I used to.”

The veteran entertainer stressed that not all pensioners would be able to afford the fee.

“So many older people are on a very small budget and just wouldn’t be able to afford a TV licence,” she said.

“I sincerely hope that the people who make this decision change their minds and it doesn’t happen.”

The singer’s daughter Ginny, 73, said: “I agree with Mummy about this, as does the whole family, and I knew she would be appalled. She’s more than happy to back the Daily Express over this.”

Dame Vera follows a host of other famous names calling on the BBC and the Government to rethink the move.

Led by another dame, Helen Mirren, earlier this week the stars urged the Government to reverse its “heartbreaking” decision to axe the free licence for over-75s.

And there was further anger when it emerged that from next year, the elderly face a visit from “TV licence fee police” – a specially recruited BBC “outreach team”  – to ensure they pay up.

Dame Vera said: “It is absolutely appalling. We have always been told not to open the door to strangers, especially because of the terrible things that could happen these days. I never have, unless they are expected and are friends or family. I don’t know what the Government and the BBC are thinking of.”

The Daily Express has highlighted the growing anger that from next year, most OAPs will be forced to cough up £154.50 to continue watching television.

Prime Suspect star Dame Helen, 73, above, and some of showbusiness’s biggest names, told ministers and the BBC to “do the right thing” and continue the concession.

Dame Helen, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen, said: “It’s just absolutely heartbreaking so many older people are going to lose their free licence when television plays such an important role in their lives.

“I would urge all those involved, including the Government, to do the right thing and to carry on funding free licences for all over-75s – the cost of which is surely a small price to pay for keeping so many vulnerable older people connected.”

Dame Helen and other celebrities, including ex-Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman, 75, actress Amanda Redman, 61, below, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, 60, and entertainer Lionel Blair, 90, have signed an open letter which calls on the next prime minister to save the perk.

The letter is also signed by actors Christopher Biggins, 70, Lesley Joseph, 73, Miriam Margolyes, 78, Sylvia Syms, 85, and Ricky Tomlinson, 79, as well as adventurer Ben Fogle, 45, and former newsreader Angela Rippon, 74.

But Dame Vera is by far the oldest star to voice her opposition.

The East Ham, east London-born singer’s recordings and performances became enormously popular during the Second World War.

She gave concerts for troops in Egypt, India and Burma.

The songs with which she is most associated are We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and There’ll Always Be An England.

In 2009, aged 92, she became the oldest living artist to top the UK albums chart with her compilation album We’ll Meet Again.

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