Channel 4 has announced a new one hour documentary, Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple, a biographical travel show that follows the unlikely friendship between stage and screen legend Dame Judi Dench and Jay Blades MBE. Despite their nearly 40-year age difference and divergent life paths, the two formed a strong bond after a chance meeting three years ago.
In this intimate portrait of friendship, Dame Judi and Jay embark on a journey across the UK, visiting places that hold significance to their respective upbringings and careers. From Hackney’s Ridley Road Market to The Old Vic theatre in London, they share funny and heart-warming stories, offering a glimpse into their lives and the influences that shaped their successes.
The show also explores themes of class, race, and social mobility in Britain, providing a broader context to their individual stories.
Jay Blades MBE shared his thoughts on the experience: “To learn about a new friend’s past really solidifies the future of your friendship. Going down memory lane with someone dear to you is something I would urge everyone to do. This show has given me memories and a friendship I will cherish forever.”
Dame Judi Dench added: “Sometimes if you’re very lucky you get to meet someone and find you’re totally on the same wavelength. What fun I had filming this programme with Jay, sharing memories of our past, both so different, finding we have the same sense of humour. I could have gone on filming for days.”
Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple was commissioned for Channel 4 by Deborah Dunnett, with Head of Lifestyle Jo Street. The documentary is directed and produced by Tom Green for Hungry Jay Media.
