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Pic: Bonhams/BNPS

Lalla Collins.

A portrait of the glamorous and racy aunt of Dame Joan Collins who inspired her to get into acting has been put up for sale by the star.

Lalla Collins was a well-known actress herself in the 1920s and '30s, and Dame Joan says she was a great influence on her own career.

The 84-year-old actress and author, best known for playing Alexis Carrington Colby on Dynasty in the 1980s, is now selling a 1940s oil painting of her glamorous aunt, which is expected to fetch £1,200.

The oil painting, which measures just under 30in by 25in, was painted in 1948.

Dame Joan has had the painting for a number of years but has now decided to sell it through Bonhams in London.