Dame Judi Dench, 89, lines up new TV project after Jay Blades travel series axed amid coercive behaviour charges
Dame Judi Dench, 89, has reportedly landed herself a festive return to screens after it was confirmed earlier this year that her new Channel 4 show with Jay Blades had been shelved.
The Odd Couple, which starred Dench and Blades, was officially shelved by Channel 4 earlier this year.
Blades, 54, who also hosted BBC’s The Repair Shop, was found charged with “coercive and controlling behaviour” towards his ex-wife in October.
The popular travelogue followed Dench and Blades visiting places and people who played a significant role in their lives.
The pair shared anecdotes and lessons from their personal history.
Fans will be overjoyed to hear Dench will be returning to screens with a new travel program over Christmas.
A Donkey For Christmas will see the James Bond series star explore The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary in Cornwall.
The sanctuary cares for and rehabilitates donkeys and horses which have been rescued from “abuse, neglect and abandonment”.
Dench is no stranger to the Flicka Sanctuary – the legendary actress became a patron after a visit in 2022.
While there, she became smitten with the animals and pledged to help with their care.
The 89-year-old will not be traveling alone as TV veterinarian Peter Wright, 68, has reportedly signed up to act as her new sidekick.
Wright is best known as The Yorkshire Vet from the Channel 5 series of the same name.
After their visit, Wright will tour similar sanctuaries across the country – from Penryn to County Durham, The Sun reports.
The 68-year-old will investigate the work sanctuary teams undertake and how others can best support them.
As part of the program, Wright will also launch an appeal to rehouse the rehabilitated equines.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Dench’s return to screens as her working calendar has been relatively quiet of late.
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The York actress has had a glittering career – featuring a slew of award nominations and a Best Supporting Actress Oscar win for Shakespeare in Love.
She was nominated for the same award in 2021 for her role in the Kenneth Branagh historical drama Belfast.
