Jay Blades of The Repair Shop has landed a new documentary for Channel 4 in which he appears alongside Judi Dench.
The James Bond and Shakespeare in Love actor met Jay when she visited the workshop in a 2022 episode and they restored an item that belonged to her late husband. Jay and Judi have been close friends ever since.
In the one-off, hour-long Channel 4 show, Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple, they explore the places in London that mean most to them, introduce each other to some very important people and explain how the capital has made them who they are today.
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“Getting to know a new friend’s past really solidifies the future of your friendship,” Jay said. “Reminiscing with someone you care about is something I would encourage anyone to do. This show has given me memories and a friendship that I will cherish forever.”
Judi added: “Sometimes, if you’re very lucky, you meet someone and realise 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 we have the same sense of humour. I could have kept filming for days.”
“It’s magical to see two friends from completely different backgrounds come together and immerse themselves in each other’s lives,” said Dan Baldwin, CEO of the production company Hungry Bear.
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“This show is full of laughs and raw emotion… and we see Dame Judi Dench like never before. This is a story of hardship, love, success, failure and friendship. Jay and Judi have a warmth and magnetic attraction that makes this utterly captivating.”
Earlier this year, it was reported that Jay was taking a break from The Repair Shop and the latest season was filmed without him. A spin-off titled Repair Shop on the Road is in the pipeline.
Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple is coming soon to Channel 4.
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