Dame Judi Dench has demanded that Iceland “turn the page” on commercial whaling and become a top destination to view the creatures instead.

Singer Leona Lewis and comedian Ricky Gervais were among those who joined the actress in signing a letter to Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir about the issue.

At least 18 fin whales have been killed so far this season, Humane World for Animals said.

In the letter, organised by the animal charity, the celebrities said they wanted to express their “deep sadness” at the resumption of commercial whaling.

They added: “We stand with the very many people across Iceland who do not want to see this whale slaughter continue, who want to begin a new chapter in Iceland’s relationship with whales, one built on respect, compassion and fealty for nature.

“When you recently pledged to introduce a bill to ban commercial whaling in Iceland, the world cheered you on. In doing so, you can turn the page on killing whales for a meat that has virtually no viable market, and instead make Iceland a world leading destination for peaceful, harmonious whale watching tourism.”

It is understood that one pregnant female and her unborn baby have been killed in recent weeks.

Another is said to have been shot four times with “exploding harpoons” and took 31 minutes to die.

The celebrities added: “When you recently pledged to introduce a bill to ban commercial whaling in Iceland, the world cheered you on. In doing so, you can turn the page on killing whales for a meat that has virtually no viable market, and instead make Iceland a world leading destination for peaceful, harmonious whale watching tourism.

“Please let these be the last whales to die in Iceland’s hunt.”

Iceland remains one of only three countries, alongside Norway and Japan, that openly permit commercial whale hunting.