NTAs: Hamza Yassin opens up on adorable moments he shared with Judi Dench on Countryfile

Virgin Radio

6 Sep 2023, 09:25

Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin has spoken about the recent episode of Countryfile, which saw him meet one of his idols, Dame Judi Dench.

Fans of the hit BBC nature programme were left in tears at the weekend, as the acclaimed actress ticked off a bucket-list moment, with the help of Hamza.

The Countryfile cameraman was joined by the Oscar-winner for a special episode, in which she fulfilled a lifelong dream of witnessing a golden eagle in the wild.

Speaking exclusively to virginradio.co.uk from the red carpet of the 2023 National Television Awards last night (5th September), Hamza described Dame Jui as “an idol of mine that I wanted to film with.”

And it turns out that meeting her didn’t disappoint. “She is better than you expect. So funny, so cheeky. Off camera, it was hilarious,” the presenter told us.

“And I managed to fulfil her life dream of seeing golden eagles, so I'm super pleased,” he added. In the episode, which aired on Sunday 3rd September, the James Bond star finally managed to see the sought-after bird, after being taken to a ‘secret location’ by Hamza.

Talking more about appearing alongside one of Britain's greatest ever actresses, the Countryfile star told us: “She puts you at ease. So, I'm nervous meeting one of my idols, and then she just goes, ‘Hey, Hamza, how are you doing? Can you hold me, I feel a bit unsteady on my feet’. 

“She's like my grandmother, that's how much she means to me. And yeah, it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.” 

Hamza also said: “And hopefully there's more to come with me and her in the future.” 

We hope so too, Hamza! 

The Dame Judi Dench special episode of Countryfile is now available on BBC iPlayer.

Check out all the winners at the National Television Awards in our full round-up.