Dame Judi Dench has said she had a blast learning to DJ for a new show, calling it “the highlight of my career”.
The popular actress teamed up with her pal Jay Blades from The Repair Shop, whose marriage sadly ended in June, and took viewers on an exciting road trip on Channel 4’s Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple. She couldn’t hide her delight as Jay taught her all about dropping beats, exclaiming with her trademark quip: “This is the highlight of my career.”
When Jay suggested she could become a DJ, Judi had the perfect answer: “No, I’m the DJ – and I’ve learned everything now, the timing and all the buttons.”
But spinning records wasn’t the only skill Dame Judi showed off. She also tried her hand at market trading, charmingly selling plantains to lucky buyers and having fun doing it.
She mused: “I hope this is not the last time I do this because I quite enjoy it. Do I think I have a future as a plantain seller? Yes, definitely. I love this job.”
Although she admits she has problems with her eyesight and is nervous when working on a script, Judi wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. The documentary delves deep into the couple’s past, bringing to light shared humor and memories that resonate.
Speaking about their friendship and her experience on set, Judi said: “Sometimes, if you’re very lucky, you meet someone and find that you’re totally on the same wavelength. I really enjoyed filming this show with Jay, sharing memories of our past, even though we’re so different, and realising that we have the same sense of humour. I could have kept filming for days.”
Jay said, “Getting to know a new friend’s past really solidifies the future of your friendship. Reminiscing with someone you care about is something I encourage everyone to do. This show has given me memories and a friendship that I will cherish forever.”
Channel 4 described the show as follows: “This biographical travel show is an intimate portrait of true friendship while telling the story of class, race and social mobility in Britain over the years.”
Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple airs on Channel 4 on August 18th at 9pm.
