Sky Arts is popping the kettle back on this summer, as ‘Tea with Judi Dench’ returns for a brand-new special, this time featuring the equally legendary Sir Ian McKellen.
Following the success of last year’s beautifully warm episode with Sir Kenneth Branagh (Belfast, Wallander), the new one-off special will once again see Dame Judi Dench (Skyfall, Belfast) welcome a close friend to her Surrey home for tea, stories, and a properly lovely conversation. This time, that guest is Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, X-Men), with the pair reflecting on extraordinary lives both on stage and off.
The hour-long special will see Dame Judi and Sir Ian discuss everything from Shakespeare and stage fright to the insecurities of acting, success, failure, and why neither should ever be taken too seriously. They will also touch on the worldwide fame of the Lord of the Rings and James Bond films, alongside more personal topics, including Ian speaking about coming out, his defining role in the fight against Section 28, and his regret at never sharing the truth about himself with his parents.
There is also something particularly lovely about seeing Dame Judi continue with this sort of television. She has spoken openly in recent years about living with age-related macular degeneration, which has severely affected her sight and made traditional acting work increasingly difficult. A format like ‘Tea with Judi Dench’ allows one of the country’s finest performers to remain on screen in a way that feels relaxed, intimate, and entirely built around what she does so brilliantly: telling stories, sharing memories, and being wonderfully, mischievously herself.
Dame Judi Dench said, “I am absolutely delighted to be returning for a second film, and even more pleased to be sharing the experience with the wonderful Sir Ian McKellen. The response to the first film was deeply touching, and it’s a great privilege to continue these conversations and capture moments of great friendship.”
Phil Edgar-Jones OBE, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, said: “Tea with Dame Judi is fast becoming one of our most treasured and delightful treats on Sky Arts. If you join Judi Dench as she reflects on life, art, culture, and all manner of topics with the peerless Sir Ian McKellen, you’re sure to be amused, moved and enlightened in equal measure.”
Nancy Strang, Mindhouse co-founder and creative director added, “I’m completely thrilled that Sky have commissioned us to make another Tea with Judi Dench. Judi has a unique combination of warmth, intelligence and mischievousness which appeals to audiences across generations. To be invited in to spend a day with her and the incomparable Ian McKellen at her home, sharing their memories of their lives, careers and lost loves is a complete privilege. I’m sure we’ll make another magical slice of television together.”
‘Tea with Judi Dench’ is produced by Mindhouse for Sky Arts. Executive producer is Nancy Strang, with Laurence Turnbull directing and Suzy Burnet serving as production executive. The special is commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director, Unscripted Originals at Sky for Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Chief Advertising and Content Officer, Sky, CEO Sky Studios. Leanne Cosby is Commissioning Editor for Sky.
‘Tea with Judi Dench’ airs in August on Sky Arts, Freeview and streaming service NOW.
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