Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen have started shooting their new film The Good Liar in London.

Principal photography began on location in the capital on Monday.

The film, based on Nicholas Searle’s book, follows career con artist Roy Courtnay (Sir Ian), who can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish (Dame Helen) online.

Sir Ian will be on the big screen with Dame Helen for the first time (Lauren Hurley/PA)
Sir Ian will be on the big screen with Dame Helen for the first time (Lauren Hurley/PA)

As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her – turning what should be an easy swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.

It is the first time Sir Ian, 78, and Dame Helen, 72, have co-starred on the big screen.

The New Line Cinema drama, directed by Bill Condon, is being filmed on location in London and Berlin and will be released in 2019.