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Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen get the giggles as they catch up over tea in exclusive first look
The new episode premieres on Monday 31 August.
Sky UK Limited
- Katelyn Mensah
Published: Friday, 28 August 2026 at 12:41 pm
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Dame Judi Dench is joined by her great friend Sir Ian McKellen in a new episode of Tea with Judi Dench, in which the acting legends have a candid conversation about their lives on stage and off.
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In the special episode – launching on Monday 31 August – the pair reflect on success, failure and the importance of never taking either too seriously.
Along the way, McKellen speaks movingly about coming out, his defining role in the fight against Section 28, and one of his greatest regrets: never sharing the truth about himself with his parents.
Alongside the poignant moments, the pair share plenty of giggles, and Radio Times has a first look!
Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen. Sky UK Limited
In an exclusive clip, the friends catch up over some tea and discuss how to smoke – something the beloved actress has never done!
As they sit down, Dench asks McKellen if he'd like some champagne but he turns down the offer as he no longer drinks or smokes. Despite being sure she has never smoked, Dench isn't believed by McKellen at first, but as demonstrated by Dench – she hadn't!
"It infuriates me that I haven't been able to do it," Dench says.
You can watch the full clip below.
The first season of Tea with Judi Dench featured Sir Kenneth Branagh, as the two swapped stories from their careers at her Surrey home.
"Both Ian and Ken’s careers are phenomenal," Dench said ahead of the series premiere. "My relationship with both Ken and Ian are very much based on a sense of humour. When I first started working with Ken it was on television and we were both sent out of the studio for laughing so much and we have been close friends ever since."
Speaking of reflecting on his illustrious life and career, McKellen said: "It’s always fun remembering with colleagues one’s own age. Of course, as the years pile up, it’s likely that memories can fade."
Tea with Judi Dench will air 31 August on Sky Arts, Freeview, and streaming service NOW.
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Authors
Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
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