Sir Ian McKellen admitted "I can't be bothered" as he sat down for an interview with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Tuesday's instalment of This Morning (April 16).
The actor, 84, joined Ben and Cat as well as TV chef Clodagh McKenna as she whipped up a spinach and feta tart in the studio. The Lord of the Rings star was happy to chat to the presenters about his food routine before he takes to the stage.
But when it came to his sit-down interview with the TV duo, Sir Ian was more interested in Buddy the dog sat next to him on the sofa. Prompted by Sir Ian, Ben and Cat explained that Buddy is an autism assistance dog.
The theatre star wanted to know more, asking: "He'll live with them?" Ben replied: "He will live with them, yeah. He'll be their companion."
Sir Ian continued stroking Buddy before nuzzling his nose. Cat, 47, attempted to shift the conversation back to Sir Ian as she said: "So you're on stage at the moment playing Falstaff."
The Da Vinci Code star interjected: "I can't be bothered talking to you when I've got a new pal here." Ben and Cat broke out into laughter before Sir Ian apologised, making it clear he was joking.
The Tipping Point presenter steered the conversation back as he asked whether Sir Ian has ever had animals. He responded: "I have often lived with dogs but I live on my own so I can't have a dog."
Asked if he misses the companionship of a dog, Sir Ian responded: "No. But when I do meet a friendly dog it's lovely, isn't it." Ben finally got Sir Ian talking about his role in the theatre as he confirmed he would be returning to the stage this evening.
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