Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen have given a rare insight into their friendship in the second-ever episode of Tea with Judi Dench. The emotional trailer shows Dame Judi, 91, holding Sir Ian's hand as they speak, with Sir Ian, 87, confessing he had 'admired Judi from afar' before they met properly.
A bond that moves to tears
In the trailer, the Lord of the Rings star praises her 'magic empathy' in a moment that moves the Bond legend to tears. Teasing the rest of their chat, Dame Judi says she had been 'wanting to ask' her Cats co-star about something before Sir Ian quips 'come on Jude, let's hear it'.
While there is plenty of laughter, the episode is said to touch on emotional topics, with Sir Ian reflecting on one of his greatest regrets: never sharing the truth about himself with his parents. The X-Men icon came out as gay in the late 80s, playing a pivotal role in the fight against Section 28, which he will also discuss in the episode.
Section 28 and activism
Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 prohibited 'promoting' homosexuality, which included education and the silencing of LGBTQ+ history. Sir Ian was one of several prominent celebrities, including Pet Shop Boys, Tilda Swinton, and Chumbawamba, to protest the law. He is a founding member of the charity Stonewall UK, established in 1989, and remains a vocal advocate of LGBTQ+ rights.
Earlier this year, he revealed Sir Alec Guinness once urged him to back down from his work, calling it 'unseemly' for an actor to dabble in politics. 'He advised me, sort of pleaded with me, to withdraw,' he told The Guardian of the fateful lunch with the Obi-Wan Kenobi actor, who died in 2000. In 2023, Sir Ian reflected on his own coming out journey, describing it as a 'life-changing' journey.
Dame Judi's delight
Speaking about the new Tea with Judi episode, which will air on Sky Arts on August 31, Dame Judi 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.' Last year, she filmed the 43-minute special with Sir Kenneth Branagh, who she has been friends with for over four decades.
Phil Edgar-Jones, the 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.' Tea with Judi Dench will air on August 31 on Sky Arts, Freeview, and streaming service NOW.
