The amazing story of Sir Ian McKellen's first love ❤️ | The Graham Norton Show - BBC

Sir Ian McKellen shares the story of his first love, writing love letters and reuniting with her.
Among the guests on Graham's sofa is knight of the stage and screen Ian McKellen, taking the role of Falstaff in Player Kings, a new version of Shakespeare's Henry IV plays.
Also, award-winning actor Michael Sheen, talking about his new Welsh BBC drama series The Way, which he also directed, Ambika Mod, starring in the Netflix version of David Nicholls’ romantic bestseller One Day, and top comic Josh Widdicombe.
With music from chart-topper Gabrielle, who performs her single 'A Place in Your Heart'.
#GrahamNorton #TheGrahamNortonShow #iPlayer #IanMcKellen #ValentinesDay #Love
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[@kimakotrotman6860]

I love how he casually said ,"I went in a DIFFERENT direction."

[@Gods_messenger_Elijah]

Poor guy, a road to hell.

[@RevealedFilms]

🦇 tyman direction.

[@beastvader]

​@@RevealedFilms😂

[@Tao_Tology]

@@RevealedFilms So scared of a gay man.

[@sunnun9203]

but why ?

[@Tao_Tology]

He's correct about letters. They are actual, physical things that _the other person actually held and wrote on_ and that have made their way to you.

[@dsmyify]

They had to travel miles, entrusted to strangers, in order to their destination. Tangible communication, carefully selected words, between two people.

[@dkelly26666]

I remember receiving letters from far away, smelling of perfume, and sealed on the back with red lipstick kisses. It was such an event to get one.

[@helgaioannidis9365]

They are so much more personal. My first boyfriend used to cover the envelopes in collages made of old Mickey Mouse stories with his own texts in the bubbles during his military service, while i used to cover them with little hearts or to fill them with "I love you - I love you - ...". I remember one letter I wrote got full of tears and the paper became a bit messed up.

[@joellewhite912]

I have a bag full of letters from the 80s - finishing school and moving and writing to friends and family. He is right - it was really exciting and heart warming receiving a letter.

[@joe1205]

Now it's: Luv u Same

[@KabirChattopadhyay1991]

Wendy: "Ian, you were quite late in sending your last letter." Ian: "A Wizard is never late. Nor is he early. He writes his letter precisely when he means to."

[@hharts83]

♥️

[@Aragonsdick5170]

😂😂..clever.

[@massimogiuntini1]

😍

[@PC-eu4xj]

Hahahahahahaa

[@claudiafegari5116]

Although we live in a world of texting and e-mailing. Some people in our lives deserve the energy of a handwritten letter. I have done some of those for very special people over the last years.

[@AdmiralJaneway74656]

The fact that she is called Wendy makes this even sweeter.

[@matthewrandell5055]

Why?

[@hellbringer4820]

@@matthewrandell5055maybe like a Peter Pan thing lol

[@MichelleT-so4we]

💯

[@wavetech_]

it's a lovely name, I suppose. And that, it is.

[@nelsonhibbert5267]

But he obviously formed the opinion that nothing is sweeter than a chocolate fudge pipe.

[@Lppt87]

He actually regretted not having the letters. 😢

[@lisastenzel5713]

You could see him thinking about it...'where and when did they go missing?' But see...since he took another direction as he put it so beautifully...I guess as a teen he might have been ashamed of them. But most likely...he just hadn't noticed his mother throw them out?! He was only 8. This is such a young age even back in his days

[@sergiodelrioreyes7655]

Which honestly makes a lot of sense, considering that was 70 years ago and he must have moved 30 times in his life

[@marisalobo8025]

I wish he could just live forever 😢

[@lindildeev5721]

He will, it's just that someday, he will go West.

[@Serratti]

@@lindildeev5721 ooooooo that hit so hard!!!

[@marisalobo8025]

Of course!!! 🥺😢😭

[@ashish_sunny]

Sir, I would like to bestow you my comment of the month award 🏆

[@jemsplitter]

don't mourn someone before they're gone.

[@amandasaunders2503]

Platonic love can be just as strong as romantic love. It’s so sweet they met again, shame it had to be so long in between. ❤

[@zoyadulzura7490]

Agreed. Why does romantic love get prioritized so much?? It's just one type of love, and other kinds can be just as strong.

[@roseanntanoco]

So true

[@mohammedzaman9422]

​@@zoyadulzura7490because romantic love is the one that will make you do crazy things

[@BOOMDIGGER]

​@@zoyadulzura7490Are you telling people how to love?

[@zoyadulzura7490]

@@BOOMDIGGER Nope. What a weird interpretation. I'm saying that it's shouldn't be depicted as the "ultimate" love all the time. There are so many toxic messages attached to the way these stories are told, including the absence of a greater variety of such stories. It's part of the reason why incels exist. A movie about male platonic love is seen as a joke based on the premise alone. Stories about friendship are underrated and undertold.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

How awesome is that like 70 something years later she remembered

[@kimakotrotman6860]

Those kind of memories don't fade.

[@vetiverose128]

If he can remember, she surely would coz women tend to be the ones who rmb these kinda things for a long time...

[@IndomitableT]

@@vetiverose128. Your comment sums up the essence of the conversation between Anne Elliot and Captain Harville near the end of the movie Persuasion (1995) based on the novel by Jane Austen. It is nice to see that her truth still is universally acknowledged in the 21st century.☺️

[@elissalombard7021]

@@IndomitableTthis is a top tier comment in several ways 👌🏽👌🏽

[@IndomitableT]

@@elissalombard7021. Usually it takes one to know one, therefore I may be safe to assume that you are an Austen fan?😉

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Ian is an International treasure

[@octagonseventynine1253]

Do you like Brian Synger and Roman Polanski and Kevin Spacey too?

[@zoyadulzura7490]

His reaction when Graham asks him if he kept the letters--he seems to feel so bad about it! 😢

[@user-ph6me8tf7f]

I think, I THINK, he’s Britain treasure. We just can watch and appreciate his work and talent, but Britain should be proud of this man. Most of my country’s actors and famous artists are all sold outs and propaganda toys and only few of them had talent, compare to this man non of them has.

[@slamdunk2270]

I'm french, and I'd like to think he's a WORLD treasure

[@TotallyLostSoul]

He's so right about waiting for a letter from someone you love. I still remember that feeling

[@calacestar]

I'm 25 and I very vaguely remember a time when letters were a common thing. But only two weeks ago we received a handwritten letter from my 7 year old cousin. She randomly decided to write one and asked my aunt for our adress. I can't tell you how excited I got when I saw it. It was so wholesome and pure. Obviously we wrote one back. The funny thing is that we have video calls almost every week. But the magic of a letter still hasn't lost it's touch!

[@dark14life]

Letters are very personal things. We spend time writing them and we spend time reading them. They're physical objects once handled by a loved one. It's a bit of magic in today's world.

[@tonybippitykaye]

Ian seems like such a sweet and genuine man. Not to mention that subtle “I went in another direction” was hilarious.

[@pujitarao600]

No but its so romantic like imagine someone who cares for you so much to write a handwritten letter with love and care and just sending it to you and vice versa.

[@leprovokateur7745]

They kinda didn’t have choice back than lmao

[@mascot4950]

In 70 years I'm sure someone will go "it's so romantic how they used to pick up a physical phone and tap out a message on a screen, using their fingers!"

[@user-jl8ei4ym8m]

Uhm that was the way of doing it back then, it's not like he had the letter out yesterday. Things were a little more valuable, since they had a chance of not getting to the right destination nor at the right time. Also the less options in people from almost everywhere made it feel like you and the person was the only ones it mattered about. Now everyone thinks 'well, if it doens't work, Ill just get the next one in queue''. And messages are just exhausting cause they come in abundances and instant, the brain is programmed to take things that come all the time as less important matter to think about, just a little sidefact.

[@Terrezio]

He's just the gentlest soul you could ever come across. I f**cking love Ian :D

[@Trapper_Creek_2024]

He’s so right - waiting is half the fun!

[@roddo1955]

This man has no clue how much he means to me on so many levels. What a sweet story and one with a message; instant gratification is overrated and there is always tomorrow to look forward to. He truly is a wizard sent by the Valar to encourage, guide and inspire people when times are dark. Wielder of the Flame of Anor.❤

[@erykaton170]

I'm old enough to have had dozens of love letters, back and forth, with my first love. Long distance phone calls were expensive, so few and far between, back then. But letters, there was nothing else like it. People say things in writing, that they may struggle with in person. Having that tangible proof in your hand, as they tell you about how they missed you, how they thought about you, as they went about their day, how lonely their nights were without you, and how they longed to hold you again. Memories shared of past encounters, with added details of what they were thinking and feeling at the time, but didn't say. Each one was a joy, a thrill, with a tiny thread of heartache, but then the anticipation of the next letter, and the dreams of reuniting. It's been thirty five years and I remember him fondly, and wonder still, where he is, and how he's been.

[@mattbosley3531]

I am in my sixties and I still have all of the letters and cards I have received over the years saved. Although I have to admit that many of the ones from when I was younger were saved by my mother at first.

[@erykaton170]

@@mattbosley3531 Unfortunately, my mother was not a fan of my first love. She found my stash of letters, while I was away at college, and threw them out.

[@patriciamcgarr3183]

I received a letter from my older brother Mike. He’s 10 years older. He was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver at the latest stage. It was such a beautiful letter and I treasure it always. He has since passed this past month. I also kept his voice mail so I can hear his voice. I miss him terribly. Horrible disease but he is now at peace.

[@Tanya.Pillay]

His existence gives my heart the squishiest of marshmallow hugs ❤

[@annewren8845]

I had the honor of seeing Sir Ian play Hamlet in Windsor a couple of years ago, and what an extraordinary experience it was, just to be able to look into that amazing face is something I’ll never forget

[@marcosferreira3793]

I could listen to him forever, he's an extraordinary man and storyteller. 🇧🇷

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

Ian is an International treasure ,what a sweet story.

[@profundus8946]

I love to see him so vital and healthy, even to this day. What an actor.

[@thesandwich5321]

Ohh the way he said, "What a very good question, but no..." just reminded me so much of my grandad. Oh that's a lot.

[@doga3641]

Anytime Sir Ian is on the show, it’s always a good episode!!! Love him

[@Roguewolf1290]

How could you not love ian , so humble and funny

[@random22026]

The recollection almost moved him to tears. Wonderful memory, shared with us. ❤❤

[@Aeyo]

Letters don't matter as Wendy still lives in his heart.

[@MrCerir]

When he paused after being asked if he still had the letters I held my breath. I thought he was going to say something along the lines of, "alas, They are lost to time". I think I prefer, "oh... No!" 😂

[@nikkishrimp323]

I love how his northern accent comes out when he’s talking about something dear to him 🥰

[@norahsearle7237]

I hope Wendy get’s in touch with Ian 🙏🏻. Will be such a sweet thing 💐

[@sadhanakikkeri7653]

@@werewolfroadwhy would you ruin it 😔

[@oodestro25]

anyone in the military has had the exact feeling of anticipation for any letter, but from the one you love it is truly a moment. I can still remember how good her letters smelt.

[@warriorbard]

I remember very fondly having this international pen pal programme at my school when I was little and corresponding with students from other countries. I loved it. Sir McKellen is right that the anticipation of waiting to get a response is something we don't really experience anymore. I miss getting actual handwritten letters or even postcards, another dying - dead? - art.

[@karinberonius8799]

I miss it too. I'm considering joining postcrossing, even if it's not quite the same.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Yeah, I was in a similar program. I exchanged letters with girls from Japan and Argentina, and although I wasn't 'in love' with them it was always exciting to get a new letter from so far away.

[@Herziful]

I “inherited” a love postcard that my great aunt’s lover sent to her 64 years ago. It is so full of love that I will never throw it away. That’s how beautiful it is.

[@karenshaw7807]

It's a thrill to see their handwriting and to know they cared enough to take the time. I must write to my old auntie now!

[@kumpircan]

İ love Sır Ian Mckellen so much

[@theagta]

This is such a lovely story. 🥰 @GrahamNorton you *must* find Wendy and have a reunion on the show! It would be absolutely fabulous! Much love from Toronto 🇨🇦♥

[@susanmurtagh6385]

He is such a delight...❤❤

[@basantibhattacharyya7789]

Lovely personality and such a sweet memory !! Respect to the living legend.SALLUTE ❤❣️💐🙏

[@al.x.]

Sir Adorable❣️💌❣️💌❣️

[@CT37BN]

A tear there for a moment

[@christopherporter2459]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard

[@dihboas]

I love this man so much

[@user-tz8dt4mw4g]

Me too

[@Kurlyq]

So sweet.

[@mikoajjan9329]

Im inspired by words of Sir Ian. Especially what he said about letters. Im writing little bit and it's what I needed. :)

[@wishingonthemoon1]

What a beautiful story 🥹

[@Jay-ql4gp]

That was lovely. ❤

[@woodsy5036]

God bless you Ian what an incredible man you are I could listen to you speak all day

[@fiore7939]

This man... ❤

[@rafaelrito3623]

What a wholesome story.

[@nintendolover114]

Im so happy im alive in a world with Sir Ian

[@soniatriana9091]

What a lovely story!!

[@simomarkic777]

Girls: "he probably doesn't even remeber me" Boys after 70+ years:

[@normadesmond6017]

how sweet....!

[@kimfaustino7919]

Magneto❤❤❤

[@samkaraca1337]

What a classy gentlemen... 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

[@The_10th_Doctor.]

He’s not American?

[@gpeddino]

That little pause before he says “I’m Wendy”… He’s such a great storyteller.

[@jaysmithdesign]

please, more to the story, please

[@fab92n15]

Legend

[@caesarjg5304]

I'm currently writing letters and cards with a few friends and relatives, including a close friend who I really adore. We include stickers, cute decorated notes, playlist recommendations, a small tic tac toe sheet we send back and forth and we write about anything that's currently going on in our lives. I feel the same kind of thrill whenever their mail arrives in my mailbox, even though I could just send a text message. It's not the same. It'll never be the same. Send as many letters to your friends and family as you can. And keep those you receive, so that one day you can read through them like a diary. ❤

[@madamastersgaming]

If Ian McKellen falls in love with a woman you know she is one of a kind

[@TJSaw]

He was 9.

[@TheOptimistCynic]

Sir Ian McKellen is always, always a great talk show guest. But it is at The Graham Norton Show where she shines the brightest.

[@magicmike7198]

Man... there is a movie right there... Ian is such a raconteur.

[@marieo5417]

Cute 😊

[@user-uh8oo3sd6c]

Love at first sight even at 9. How does that work so instantaneously

[@Disciplyne]

Awesome story. I remember writing many love letters to girlfriends in my past, and keeping what they wrote back. I had a whole stack of them for many years. No idea where they are now, nor the letters.

[@repboy1]

I used to love getting letters from friends and writing them your had to really think about what to say

[@cymro6537]

I've still kept the letters from my first love of when I was seventeen - though, she broke my heart. Now, as I approach my 60th year ,a part of me is in love with her still....

[@elphie93]

A friend of mine and her University love reunited after over thirty years apart - it's one of my favourite real life love stories and a reminder that there's always hope!

[@xeliane1670]

😳wouah sensiblle

[@ingridinguska5419]

Writing letters was the best,miss it😔

[@olgam8301]

I still have the love letters of my first boyfriend 😅 like almost 20 years ago

[@CygnusX-11]

Sir Ian McKellen is Morgan freeman of england

[@val271]

💯

[@Tao_Tology]

of the UK

[@FuzzyFoot58]

That is an insult to Ian. Morgan is certainly a good actor, but he's at least a full class below Ians caliber.

[@CygnusX-11]

@@FuzzyFoot58 waw man

[@mitchellbooth8435]

@@Tao_Tology No England, Sir Ian Murray McKellen CH CBE is an English actor. He is not Scottish nor is he Welsh or Northern Irish.

[@ijustneedmyself]

Gotta love the little reminders that celebs are just humans like us. In this case, Ian casually clearing out the crust from the corners of his eyes like he's not being interviewed on a TV show... 😂

[@David-sk9vv]

I turn 50 in May; I remember letters and second deliveries. Were there ever good things about the good old days!? Bet your life there were.

[@SirEebRhawl]

It's never too late to get your first slice of pie Ian... never too late ;)

[@pratikshetty6919]

They are the one thats worth the money!!!

[@HBoyle]

the sadness in his eyes when he realized that he actually had lost those letters to time TT~TT

[@ronnie7075]

I laughed out loud at Josh Widdecombe. Loved his comment. Funny anecdote.😂😢

[@Elriuhilu]

Wow, it's Ian McKellen from that movie The Shadow.

[@ToadstedCroaks]

If we go by personal experience, and tons of tv / film tropes ... he certainly could still have those letters buried away in some part of an attic / storage, and had completely forgotten about their continued existence after so many years. I remember feeling bad about telling my first love that I no longer had the watch she gave me many years ago anymore, without being able to explain why. Then shortly after, I found it, inside the ammo box I kept all her letters in as well; tucked away in the back of a bookshelf / entertainment center I hadn't used other than for storage for the longest. That was a real conflict of feelings after I had rediscovered it.

[@strangerthings88]

❤

[@RoJoMacCready]

A wizard keeps exactly the amount of letters that he intends to, AND NO MORE.

[@glanced9684]

He will always be Gandalf to me.

[@predatoryzzx]

"YOU SHALL NOW POST!"

[@jimmy-stevenbiemans1486]

The face Graham makes around the 1:25 timestamp is a rare expression I see more people make when Ian tells a story. For example, in the radio interview about his favorite word "Love", you see one of the interviewers do the same. Ian is a wonderful storyteller who can take his listeners to an emotionally innocent and endearing place with ease. It is utter bliss to be allowed to listen to his stories ❤️‍🩹

[@dsmyify]

He's Gandalf the wise.

[@al.x.]

Indeed! 🥰

[@emmanewman9863]

I love letters

[@myself3209]

Some people age gracefully

[@chadparsons50]

What could have been. Better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved.

[@moussetache1815]

"Sir McKellen's love letters on EBay" - I got my new album name, thanks

[@angrymuffinsb]

I have an ex who wrote letters to me whilst he was drafted away in the forces. This is only going back 14years or so. Whilst it didn’t work out. I still have them for sentimental reasons as it was incredibly sweet

[@thomasjones4570]

"Did you keep the letters?"... "oh, NOOOOO...not! its a good question but I dont"... "did you just chuck them?".... "This, this is very a very disturbing..I didnt keep them!" Bro made Ian regret his entire life in less than 20 seconds.

[@icemanespoo2977]

Letters were amazing. I went to Scotland on student exchange for few months. I had just started a relationship few months before. We would send letters back forth because it was just before email became a thing. We knew how long it took for the letters to go back and forth so there was the anticipation that you knew what day to expect to reply to your latest letter.

[@junniferluzeytonz]

I hope he comes back in deadpool and wolverine as cameo or a memorable side villain

[@CrimsonMey]

His letters would definitely be worth a lot of money

[@parinikasharma317]

Wendy! Call the man! It's not the same as letters but its something

[@lyrand6408]

I still write letters and receive them, to and from the government. They still exist.

[@mistahkrazy805]

A text or an email is nice when you want to send well wishes or generally something nice, but taking the time to write something to someone does let them know that they are important enough to take your time.

[@K-FOREST_Original]

How are you? It's Thursday. It's raining in South Korea/Seoul. I wish you good health and good things for the rest of the week. And always cheering for your beautiful/fascinating activities. ^^

[@hotmixal]

This story remind me to Lake House movie

[@boriquaelrey7129]

I so love Sir Ian McKellan. He’s so sweet. 🏳️‍🌈