Two acting legends reunite for a returning show seeing Judi Dench welcoming her friend Ian McKellen to her home for an extraordinary conversation. Following the success of the first season and the 2018 documentary, the Oscar winner sits down with the Lord of the Rings star for tea and a candid chat about their lives and careers.
After 2018’s documentary Nothing Like a Dame, seeing Dench, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright spilling the tea, Dench returned for Tea with Judi Dench, Sky’s one-off special aired last year in which the star appeared alongside Kenneth Branagh.
Now, Dench and McKellen are ready to discuss everything from Shakespeare and stage fright to failure and worldwide fame achieved through long-running franchises like James Bond and Lord of the Rings.
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In the one-hour documentary produced by Mindhouse for Sky Arts, McKellen speaks movingly about coming out and his role in the fight against Section 28 as well as regretting never sharing the truth about his sexual orientation with his parents.
“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.”
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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 will air in August on Sky Arts, Freeview and streaming service NOW.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).