Key Highlights
- Dame Judi Dench welcomes close friend Kenneth Branagh for an intimate conversation in her country home.
- The special will air on Sky Arts, Freeview, and NOW streaming service on December 22, 2025.
- Topics of discussion include their lives, careers, loves, and losses, set against the backdrop of Dame Judi’s picturesque Surrey garden.
- Dame Judi Dench opens up about her deteriorating eyesight and short-term memory loss due to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
The Intimate Conversation: A Look into the Lives of Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh
Set for a cozy evening on December 22, 2025, viewers will get an intimate glimpse into the lives of two legendary figures in entertainment – Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh. The highly anticipated Tea with Judi Dench, airing on Sky Arts, Freeview, and NOW streaming service, promises a candid conversation between these close friends, blending personal anecdotes with rarely seen archival material.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Special
The special will take place in Dame Judi’s country home, surrounded by the picturesque Surrey garden that has been her sanctuary for decades. As they sit down for a cup of tea in her beautifully decorated living room, Branagh and Dench will share stories from their illustrious careers and personal lives. Viewers can expect lively conversation, humorous insights, and moments of genuine candour and emotion.
Dame Judi’s Health Challenges
Amidst the celebration, the special also sheds light on Dame Judi Dench’s health struggles. The 91-year-old actress revealed that her deteriorating eyesight and short-term memory loss have significantly impacted her daily life. Diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in 2012, she admitted to no longer being able to see the television, relying on assistants for day-to-day tasks.
“It’s a crusher,” said Judi, referring to the progression of her condition. “I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing Mastermind, but I can hear the questions.” The actress shared that she had to give up driving and certain hobbies like embroidery, even going out alone has become challenging.
Forgiveness and Friendships
Despite these challenges, Dame Judi remains a powerhouse of talent and resilience. During an interview with The Radio Times, ahead of her 91st birthday earlier this month, she spoke frankly about her former friendship with disgraced American producer Harvey Weinstein. Although she admitted to working closely with Weinstein in Hollywood, she expressed a measure of forgiveness.
“My eyesight’s getting worse, I fear I will lose the plot and maybe Harvey Weinstein deserves forgiveness,” said Dame Judi Dench. She also defended her ‘good friend’ Kevin Spacey, who was cleared of sexual assault allegations during a UK trial in 2023.
A Celebration of Lives and Careers
With The Winter’s Tale, the duo last appeared on stage together from 2015 to 2016. Now, they are reunited once again as they catch up inside her stunning country home. The special sees Dame Judi opening up her ‘little black book’ and inviting a series of fellow national treasures into her home for an unforgettable evening.
Tea with Judi Dench promises to be more than just a tea party; it’s a celebration of two lives intertwined by the magic of theatre, film, and friendship. The special will air on Sky Arts, Freeview, and streaming service NOW on December 22, 2025, marking a touching tribute to these enduring talents in the entertainment industry.
