Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern made a memorable appearance on the iconic British talk show, The Graham Norton Show, sharing some intriguing insights and personal anecdotes.
In a recent episode aired in the UK, Dame Jacinda joined an impressive lineup of guests, including the renowned actress Kate Winslet, US talk show host Seth Meyers, and comedian Alan Carr. The show's host, Graham Norton, welcomed Dame Jacinda with a warm introduction, acknowledging the many New Zealanders who have graced the show's famous red couch.
Dame Jacinda's appearance coincided with the promotional tour for her autobiographical film, Prime Minister, which premiered in the UK and Ireland on December 5. Norton couldn't resist referencing the film and the infamous red chair, to which Dame Jacinda playfully replied, "When your producer called, I did clarify which seat I'd be in."
During the episode, Norton played a clip from Dame Jacinda's documentary, where she revealed a moment of frustration during the Covid-19 pandemic. She admitted to wanting to "punch [Simon Bridges] in the face" after he made a controversial comment about her handling of the economy during a parliamentary session. This sparked a conversation about the challenges of leading during a global crisis and the importance of balancing multiple priorities.
Norton then turned the conversation to Dame Jacinda's popularity decline in New Zealand, asking, "What went wrong? What was the tipping point?" Dame Jacinda offered a thoughtful response, attributing the shift in politics to a global trend of increased grievance and aggression. She emphasized the need for decency and kindness in politics and encouraged people not to lose hope in the potential for positive change.
The episode also highlighted a heartwarming moment when Kate Winslet praised Dame Jacinda for discovering her pregnancy during post-election negotiations. Winslet gushed, "Oh my god, she is so amazing. You are so amazing," to which Dame Jacinda jokingly replied, "I'm glad you've gone there. You could easily say, 'that's terrible planning.'"
Later in the show, comedian Alan Carr inquired about his experience in New Zealand, specifically asking about a hotel where guests can bungee jump off the top. Dame Jacinda promptly identified the location as Auckland's Sky City, located at the base of the iconic Sky Tower. Carr shared a hilarious anecdote about his stay, describing the bungee jumpers screaming as he unpacked, leading him to question the hotel's reputation.
The episode, which will air in New Zealand on December 12 on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, offers a glimpse into the personal and professional life of Dame Jacinda Ardern, providing a unique perspective on her time as Prime Minister and her interactions with renowned figures in the entertainment industry.
