Dame Judi Dench gets emotional as she discusses her late husband, Michael Williams

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Dame Judi Dench gets emotional as she discusses her late husband, Michael Williams(Image: Sky)

Dame Judi Dench gets emotional as she discusses her late husband, Michael Williams.

Judi, 91, opens up her beautiful country home in a one-off special Tea with Judi Dench, where she is joined by longtime friend Kenneth Branagh.

From the sanctuary of her English garden and home, the duo reflect on their lives and careers, as well as their past projects together.

In one particular poignant part of the episode, Judi and Kenneth, 65, discuss the James Bond actress’ late husband Michael.

The couple wed in 1971, and were together until Michael died three weeks before their 30th wedding anniversary in 2001, he was aged 65.

Dame Judi Dench opens up her beautiful country home in a one-off special Tea with Judi Dench

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Dame Judi Dench opens up her beautiful country home in a one-off special Tea with Judi Dench(Image: Sky)

He died at their home “surrounded by family and friends”, following a long battle with lung cancer.

Judi and Michael had one daughter, Finty Williams, who is now 53. Finty has son, Sam Williams, now 28, and Judi is very close to her daughter and grandson.

Dame Judi and Michael moved to a 17th-century house with a six acre estate in Wasp Green, Surrey in 1995, where she now has a tree dedicated to him as part of her memorial forest on the grounds.

During the episode, Judi shows Kenneth a painted portrait of Michael. Kenneth says: “I want to ask you about this painting, Jude, because it’s such a fantastic likeness of the brilliant Mr Michael Williams.”

The couple wed in 1971, and were together until Michael died three weeks before their 30th wedding anniversary in 2001

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The couple wed in 1971, and were together until Michael died three weeks before their 30th wedding anniversary in 2001(Image: Popperfoto/Getty Images)

Judi adds: “Michael and I were married just short of 30 years when he died in 2001. Look at that, Kenneth. I mean, you knew him. That’s so, it’s brilliantly painted”, adding: “I love it, I really love it.”

The duo then discuss working with Michael, Judi speaks about working together in The Merchant of Venice after just getting married. Judi played Portia and Michael played Bassanio.

Meanwhile, Kenneth reflects on working with Michael in the film, Henry V, where he played King Henry V of England while Michael played Michael Williams, soldier in Henry’s army.

Judi, 91, is joined by longtime friend Kenneth Branagh in the special episode

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Judi, 91, is joined by longtime friend Kenneth Branagh in the special episode (Image: Sky)

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The duo then watch a clip from the film, which leaves Judi teary eyed. Kenneth comments as Judi’s eyes well up: “Now that’s a very talented young actor! He had such a tack and he had such a sort of strong and, as it happened, very masculine presence.

“And very, he had that incredible sort of movie star jaw and those piercing eyes. He was a handsome lad, wasn’t he?” to which a tearful Judi replies: “He was.”

Tea with Judi Dench airs 22 December on Sky Arts, Freeview, and streaming service NOW.