Helen Mirren: 'Brothels Should be Legalized'

Helen Mirren has called for the legalization of brothels.

The Queen actress -- who plays a raunchy brothel boss in her latest film -- spent a night with hookers at a notorious bordello in order to research the part, and believes brothels should be classified as proper businesses.

She says, "I researched the whole notion of a brothel and went to a legal brothel in Nevada.

"I loved the girls and the madam was wonderful - she became our adviser. She was invaluable - a wonderful woman.

"I am a complete believer in legal brothels. The girls are protected and free and it takes out that horrible situation of pimps and drugs.

"Also the men who go there know the girls are medically checked and it is very carefully controlled - everyone is in a safe environment.

"I don't think you are ever going to get rid of prostitution so you might as well make it as safe as possible."