Dame Judi Dench and Dame Imelda Staunton Star in Hilarious Holiday Charity Ad

Two of Britain’s most celebrated actresses have teamed up for a festive campaign. Dame Judi Dench and Dame Imelda Staunton appear in a new advertisement for the disaster relief charity ShelterBox. The short film features a comedic gift exchange between the long-time friends.

The ad aims to raise awareness and support for families who have lost their homes to disaster. It uses humor to highlight the importance of giving practical aid during the holiday season.

Unwrapping an Unusual Gift

The advertisement opens with Dame Judi Dench. She is seen opening a small, poorly wrapped present. Inside, she finds a tiny red thong. Dench looks at the garment with a mix of surprise and disdain.

She immediately declares that red is not her color. According to a report by the BBC, the comedic timing showcases the actress’s well-known wit. She then decides to regift the item.

Dench places the thong in a new box with a handwritten note. The note is simply signed, “Love, Judi x.” The scene then shifts to Dame Imelda Staunton.

A Campaign for Clarity and Support

Separately, Dame Judi Dench is also supporting a vital health campaign. She is backing a new petition by Alzheimer’s Research UK. The petition calls for faster dementia diagnoses through the NHS.

Dench explained the profound impact of the disease. She stated that dementia can take away identity and connection. She emphasized that a diagnosis provides crucial understanding for families.

She described the pain of watching loved ones slip away without answers. A formal diagnosis offers clarity and some control during an uncertain time. This allows families to make the most of their remaining time together.

The collaboration between these esteemed dames delivers a powerful one-two punch of holiday cheer and serious advocacy, proving that even a laugh can be a catalyst for profound change.

Thought you’d like to know

What charity is featured in the ad with Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton?

The advertisement was created for ShelterBox. This international disaster relief charity provides essential supplies and shelter to people who have lost their homes due to conflict or disaster.

What was the funny gift in the commercial?

Dame Judi Dench received a small red thong as a gift. She promptly regifted it to her friend, Dame Imelda Staunton, who found the present both surprising and a little too large.

What other cause is Judi Dench currently supporting?

Dench is backing a major campaign by Alzheimer’s Research UK. She has publicly signed a petition urging the NHS to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses for people with dementia.

Why does Judi Dench say a dementia diagnosis is important?

She explains that a diagnosis offers understanding and clarity. It gives families some control and helps them make the most of the time they have left with their loved one.

Have Dench and Staunton worked together before?

Yes, both are iconic figures in British film and theatre. Their long-standing friendship and professional respect make their on-screen chemistry in the ad feel authentic and warm.