Dame Judi Dench, 89, was visibly moved as she was joined by her co-star Jay Blades at the Old Vic Theatre in London on Sunday evening during the Channel 4 documentary “Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple”.
Over the course of the episode, viewers were able to witness first-hand the bond between the pair, who first met three years ago on the set of the BBC series The Repair Shop.
To learn more about each other, both Dench and Blades went down memory lane to explain to each other the milestones that have shaped their lives.
For Blades, the program included emotional trips to Ridley Road Market in London’s East End and the Hackney Youth Club, which he attended as a child.
Meanwhile, Dench enjoyed tearful trips to the Old Vic and the family home where she lived with her late husband, Michael Williams.
But a particularly poignant scene took place at the Old Vic when Blades decided to show his appreciation for Dench by overcoming a personal struggle.
Jay Blades read a passage from Hamlet to Judi Dench
CHANNEL 4
Blades, who separated from his wife earlier this year, spoke openly about his struggles with dyslexia and said he did not learn to read until he was 51.
However, when Dench took the stage at the Old Vic, Blades decided to treat her to a reading of a famous Shakespeare monologue anyway.
“For Judi it might be a no-brainer to perform here, but for me it’s the exact opposite,” Blades told Channel 4 viewers.
“I have lived with dyslexia my whole life and learned to read and write at the age of 51.”
Judi Dench listened attentively as Jay Blades read through
CHANNEL 4
Blades spoke directly to Dench, telling her: “When I came here today, I wanted to read some Shakespeare, but reading in public… I just don’t do that.”
“It’s never finished, but I thought since I’m with you now, I’d give it a try.”
Dench, aware of the courage Blades was showing, clapped his hands over his mouth expectantly as Blades scanned the paper in front of him.
After taking a few moments to calm himself down, Blades read a passage from Hamlet, with Dench helping him.
As Blades neared the end of his monologue, Dench stepped in to finish the words from her memory.
“Jay! My goodness,” said an emotional Dench as Blades then came on stage and gave his co-star a big hug.
Judi Dench and Jay Blades shared an emotional moment at the Old Vic
CHANNEL 4
The “Repair Shop” star thanked the Bond actress for her support and then joked dryly: “There are easier things to learn!”
Blades let out a huge gasp as Dench continued to heap praise on him: “How fantastic!”
