In a candid and amusing revelation on the debut episode of The Claudia Winkleman Show, beloved comedian Jennifer Saunders, 67, opened up about a botched attempt to take drugs with her longtime comedy partner Dawn French, 68. The story left host Claudia Winkleman visibly shocked during the taping of the new BBC programme, which airs tonight, March 13.
A Daring Plan Gone Awry
Jennifer Saunders recounted how she and Dawn French once decided to be "really daring" and acquired an ecstasy tablet. The Absolutely Fabulous star explained that they kept the pill on Dawn's mantlepiece for about six months before finally feeling ready to take it. "We thought, 'Okay, we're ready,'" Saunders shared, describing their anticipation.
The Unexpected Discovery
After preparing glasses of water for the experience, the duo made a surprising discovery. "We didn't know what to expect at all and… the pill had gone!" Saunders revealed, adding that the disappearance was "quite a relief." The anecdote highlights the comedic timing and chemistry that has defined their partnership for decades.
Legendary Comedy Partnership
Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French originally met at drama school in the 1970s and went on to star in the popular BBC sketch show French and Saunders from 1987 to 2007. Their enduring friendship and professional collaboration have made them icons of British comedy, with this latest story adding a new layer to their public personas.
Star-Studded Inaugural Episode
Joining Jennifer Saunders on Claudia's sofa for the first episode are Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, singer and actress Vanessa Williams, and comedian Tom Allen. The BBC previously released first-look snaps of Claudia seated alongside her panellists, generating buzz for the new series.
Claudia Winkleman's Self-Deprecating Humour
In a sneak peek clip, Claudia Winkleman joked that it was "an error" the BBC had given her a self-titled show. She told fans, "Hello, they've given me a talk show - agreed, an error. Here's some information, there is an audience, they're lovely, and brilliant guests. It might be excruciating." This trademark self-deprecation sets the tone for the programme.
A show synopsis describes it as "a brand-new series packed with celebrity guests, hilarious stories and Claudia's trademark warmth and wit – all in front of a live studio audience." Claudia has previously expressed her disbelief at the opportunity, saying, "I can't quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. I'm obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I'm over the moon they’re letting me try."
Promotional Antics and Studio Rules
To promote the series, Claudia mocked her own use of fake tan in a teaser clip, slapping orange paint on her face and declaring, "I'm ready!" In a trailer, she could be seen placing small oranges in a bucket of gloop, joking that the colour "isn't orange enough" for her liking.
Meanwhile, the show has implemented a strict dress code for the studio audience. TV audience company SRO Audiences, which handles tickets, states on its website: "We’re asking everyone to dress to impress – we don’t want to see any tracksuits or puffer gilets; we’d like to look out at a sea of people dressed for a big night out with Claudia!"
Engaging with the Audience
The website adds that Claudia will not only interview celebrities but also converse with the audience, offering attendees a chance to chat with her and possibly appear on television. SRO Audiences also sells tickets for other popular shows like Have I Got News For You, The Graham Norton Show, and Taskmaster.
This blend of celebrity interviews, personal anecdotes, and audience interaction promises to make The Claudia Winkleman Show a fresh addition to the BBC's lineup, with Jennifer Saunders' revealing story setting a humorous and engaging precedent for future episodes.
