Despite being born nearly 40 years apart, and taking very different journeys in life, stage and screen legends Dame Judi Dench and Jay Blades walked away with a friendship for life after a chance meeting three years ago. Keen to learn more about each other’s backgrounds and upbringings, the nostalgic one-off will see the duo embark on a journey to explore the places and people that have shaped their vastly different lives.

Taking a whistle-stop tour down memory lane, the legendary pair uncover secrets from each other’s past, sharing funny and heart-warming stories along the way. Travelling together across the UK, exploring London and Stratford-upon-Avon, Judi and Jay unveil anecdotes about the path to their incredible successes, introducing each other to special people, past times and places that have influenced who they are. From Hackney’s Ridley Road Market to The Old Vic theatre, Judi and Jay head to some of London’s most memorable places, showcasing the city’s vast culture and diverse neighbourhoods.

This biographical travel show is an intimate portrait of true friendship, whilst also telling the story of class, race and social mobility in Britain through the years.

Jay Blades MBE says: ““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 says “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.”

Deborah Dunnett, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 says: “It’s a real privilege to be afforded a glimpse into the lives of two wonderfully candid and talented people. Sharing the details of their very different journey to success, this film offers an affirming story of how a shared belief in talent, hard-work and fun can lead to lives well-lived, and the most unlikely of friendships.”

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director, Hungry Bear says: “It’s magical to watch two friends, from totally different backgrounds, come together and delve into each other’s lives. This show is full of laughs and raw emotion…and we get see Dame Judi Dench like never before. This is a story of hardship, love, success, failures and friendship. Jay and Judi have a warmth and magnetic appeal that make this completely spellbinding.”

Dame Judi & Jay: The Odd Couple.

(1×60) 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.