She’s such a great interviewer that this chat with Kenneth Branagh feels like it deserves an entire series. It’s relentlessly charming – and hugely moving when they talk about Dame Judi’s late husband ...

GWYNETH PALTROW: (As Viola) Your Majesty. JUDI DENCH: (As Queen Elizabeth I) I've seen you. You are the one who comes to all the plays at Whitehall, at Richmond. PALTROW: (As Viola) Your Majesty.

If you need some cosy, festive viewing this Christmas week, then look no further than Sky Arts’s Tea with Judi Dench, which sees the legendary actor visited at her Surrey home by Sir Kenneth Branagh ...