The prospect of Donald Trump romantically involved with Dame Emma Thompson might test to breaking point the theory opposites attract.

But the Left-wing actress, 66, said the Republican president, 79, invited her out for dinner on the day she become divorced.

Speaking at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Dame Emma said she was in her trailer while filming Primary Colors, the 1998 film loosely based on Bill Clinton’s journey to the White House, when the phone rang.

“It was Donald Trump,” she said. “He said: ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump.’ I thought it was a joke and asked: ‘How can I help you?’ Maybe he needed directions from someone.

“Then he said: ‘I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner.’ I said: ‘Well, that’s very sweet. Thank you so much. I’ll get back to you.’”