Lancashire-born actor Sir Ian McKellen has released a statement after he was tricked by two Russian comedians.

Sir Ian, from Burnley, said he received a message purporting to be from the Ukrainian Embassy in London, inviting him to participate in a “private discussion” with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ian said the call turned out to be a “dirty trick” played by two Russian comedians which was then posted online.

In a statement, The Lord of the Rings star said: “I am not a politician so I was surprised some weeks ago to receive a message that appeared to come from the Ukrainian Embassy in London, inviting me to participate in a ‘private discussion with President Zelensky.

“I checked with a couple of contacts in Ukraine who encouraged me to take the call.

“At the appointed time, I found myself chatting, apparently, with the President of Ukraine.”

Ian soon realised that it was not President Zelensky or any Ukrainian official but “a pair of Russians who call themselves comedians”.

He said: “I understand they’re popular in Russia, which is surprising because their jokes aren’t funny.

“I played along with things they suggested but was frankly bewildered they seemed to be think I might be in a position to provide substantial aid to Ukraine.

“Once I realised it was all just a dirty trick, I declined to cooperate any further.”

In the video, Ian can be seen wearing the colours of Ukraine and spoke about supporting LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Since the announcement, Sir Ian has been flooded with support from fans.

One person said: “Unbelievable, glad you stepped away from that mess.”

“This says a lot about them and little about you, other than you are an earnest, decent soul who thought you were doing something kind by at least responding to the initial query,” said another.

A third said: “So sorry a great gentleman such as you was targeted by those scamming con artists.”