Jennifer Saunders’ Hilarious Drug Fumble Revealed on Claudia Winkleman’s New Chat Show
Veteran comedian Jennifer Saunders has shared a rather embarrassing and ultimately anticlimactic anecdote about a failed attempt to experiment with recreational drugs alongside her long-time comedy partner, Dawn French. The story, recounted on the inaugural episode of Claudia Winkleman’s new BBC chat show, left the host, and presumably the audience, in stitches.
Saunders, 67, a beloved figure in British comedy known for her sharp wit and iconic roles, appeared as one of the first guests on The Claudia Winkleman Show. During the candid conversation, she detailed a plan hatched with French, 68, to take ecstasy, a venture that ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.
“Dawn and I once thought we’d be really daring, and we got an ecstasy tablet,” Saunders explained, setting the stage for the unfolding mishap. The pair, who have been a formidable comedic duo since meeting at drama school in the 1970s and later starring in the hugely popular BBC sketch show French and Saunders from 1987 to 2007, decided to embark on this unusual experiment when they found themselves alone.
The plan, as Saunders elaborated, involved keeping the tablet on Dawn’s mantlepiece for a considerable period. “We kept it on Dawn’s mantlepiece and one day – about six months later – we thought, ‘Okay, we’re ready.'” The anticipation, it seemed, had built for half a year.
Armed with water, the two comedians were poised to ingest the tablet and experience its effects. However, as they prepared for their daring escapade, an unexpected and rather anticlimactic discovery was made. “We didn’t know what to expect at all and….the pill had gone!” Saunders revealed, describing the moment as “quite a relief.” The intended adventure had fizzled out before it even began, leaving them both, it appears, rather relieved.
Joining Saunders on the sofa for the debut episode were a star-studded line-up, including Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, singer and actress Vanessa Williams, and comedian Tom Allen, promising a night of engaging conversation and comedic talent.
The BBC had previously offered a glimpse into the new programme with a series of promotional images showcasing Claudia Winkleman alongside her esteemed guests. A sneak peek clip also featured Winkleman herself, playfully admitting her surprise at being given a self-titled show.
“Hello, they’ve given me a talk show – agreed, an error,” Winkleman quipped in the teaser. “Here’s some information, there is an audience, they’re lovely, and brilliant guests. It might be excruciating.” Despite her self-deprecating humour, the show’s synopsis promises “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.”
Winkleman’s enthusiasm for the show was further highlighted in a humorous promotional video where she comically mocked her own penchant for fake tan. In the teaser, she was seen enthusiastically applying orange paint to her face, declaring, “I’m ready!” as she prepared for the series launch.
Another trailer saw the former Strictly Come Dancing host engaging in a quirky ritual involving small oranges and a bucket of paint, lamenting that the colour “isn’t orange enough.” This playful approach to advertising underscored her characteristic charm and wit.
Reflecting on her new hosting gig, Winkleman expressed her gratitude and a healthy dose of her signature humility. “I can’t quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity,” she stated. “I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try.”
Beyond the celebrity guests and Winkleman’s effervescent hosting, The Claudia Winkleman Show has also implemented a strict dress code for its studio audience. Ticket release company SRO Audiences, responsible for distributing tickets to popular UK programmes, has outlined specific guidelines for attendees.
Their website clearly states: “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!” This rule aims to create a glamorous and celebratory atmosphere befitting the show.
The show’s format is designed to be inclusive, with Winkleman not only interviewing her high-profile guests but also engaging directly with the audience. “The Claudia Winkleman Show will see Claudia showcasing her contagious charm to interview both Hollywood stars and the best of British,” the synopsis reads. “But celebrities are not the only people Claudia is embracing on this show, she will also be conversing with the audience, so if you want the opportunity to have a chat with Claudia and possibly be on TV, then this is the show for you.”
SRO Audiences, which also handles ticketing for other well-known programmes such as Paul Sinha’s Perfect Pub Quiz, Have I Got News For You, and The Graham Norton Show, has provided an avenue for the public to be part of the live studio audience for this exciting new venture.
