There is a sense of majesty and anticipation in the air as Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett welcome TV royalty, Dame Joanna Lumley, to Dish HQ. From the moment she steps into the studio, Joanna exudes the effortless elegance and charm that have made her a beloved figure on screens worldwide. The table is decorated with soft pink roses in celebration of Valentine’s week, while the kitchen is alive with the warmth and camaraderie that comes from preparing a meal together. The scene sets the perfect stage for a conversation that is as much about personality and heart as it is about food and drink.

Born in India in 1946, Joanna Lumley’s early life was a tale of movement and adaptation. She attended boarding school in the UK, navigating the challenges of distance from her family while forming the foundation for the resilience and poise that would define her later life. In the 1960s, Joanna began her career as a model, a path that opened doors to the entertainment world and showcased her natural charisma and photogenic presence. Modeling led to acting, and she took on early roles in Coronation Street and The New Avengers, steadily building a reputation for professionalism and versatility.

It was, however, her role as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous that would catapult her to household-name status. Joanna’s portrayal of the audacious, witty, and unforgettable Patsy earned her three BAFTA awards and cemented her as a television icon. The character was larger-than-life, yet Joanna managed to infuse each performance with nuance, humor, and humanity. In the podcast, she reminisces about the hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, the camaraderie with her co-stars, and the creative freedom that allowed her to develop Patsy into a character beloved by generations.

Beyond her acting career, Joanna has become synonymous with adventure and exploration. She has produced and presented acclaimed documentaries that take viewers on journeys through Japan, India, the Nile, the Silk Road, and the Trans-Siberian Railway. Each project reflects her insatiable curiosity, her willingness to immerse herself in other cultures, and her desire to share these experiences with the audience. Joanna’s love for travel and exploration is not merely professional—it is personal and philosophical. In the podcast, she talks about the ways travel has shaped her worldview, broadened her empathy, and enriched her life.

In film, Joanna’s contributions extend beyond live-action roles. She has lent her distinctive voice to Tim Burton’s animated features, including Corpse Bride and James & the Giant Peach, while also taking on high-profile roles in productions such as Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street. Her versatility across genres—comedy, drama, animation, and documentary—speaks to a career defined not only by longevity but by a constant evolution and willingness to take risks. Currently, Joanna is featured in her latest project, Amandaland, a spin-off of Motherland, available on BBC iPlayer. Her enthusiasm for this new series reflects her ongoing commitment to engaging audiences with projects that are both entertaining and insightful.

As the podcast conversation begins in earnest, Nick pours Joanna an elderflower pressé, while Angela prepares a dish of parsnip gnocchi with sage and garlic mushrooms. The room is filled with the comforting aroma of cooking, and the experts at Waitrose suggest pairing the meal with an Italian white wine, La Monetta Gavi Piemonte. This combination of culinary artistry and casual conversation sets the stage for a dialogue that is rich in insight, humor, and heart. The act of cooking together becomes a metaphor for Joanna’s approach to life: a blend of creativity, care, and enjoyment of the moment.

One of the most striking revelations Joanna shares in the podcast is her commitment to vegetarianism, a lifestyle she has maintained for forty years. She explains that being vegetarian is not merely about diet but about a philosophy of living that emphasizes mindfulness, health, and sustainability. Joanna reflects on how this choice has shaped her energy levels, mental clarity, and overall approach to life. Her discussion of vegetarianism is candid yet light-hearted, filled with anecdotes about the challenges and joys of maintaining this lifestyle, from experimenting with new recipes to navigating social situations. Listeners are given an intimate glimpse into the values and choices that define Joanna both on and off screen.

The conversation naturally flows to her career and the impact of Absolutely Fabulous. Joanna fondly recalls the laughter, chaos, and camaraderie behind the scenes, emphasizing that while Patsy Stone was outrageous and audacious, her own personality is warm, approachable, and deeply caring. She reflects on the ways the role has influenced her public persona and the balance required to maintain privacy and personal integrity in the face of fame. Joanna also shares lessons learned from her career, including the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a sense of humor, even in high-pressure situations.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Joanna opens up about her personal life, particularly the secret to a long and happy marriage. She emphasizes respect, communication, shared humor, and mutual support as the pillars of a successful partnership. Joanna’s reflections extend beyond romantic relationships; she discusses maintaining strong connections with family, friends, and colleagues, highlighting the importance of kindness, empathy, and intentionality in all relationships. Her insights are thoughtful, relatable, and inspiring, offering listeners guidance that is grounded in decades of lived experience.

Travel, another of Joanna’s great passions, also features prominently in the conversation. She recounts her favorite journeys, from exploring the bustling streets of Japan to navigating the serene landscapes of the Silk Road. Joanna shares stories about cultural encounters, culinary discoveries, and the unexpected lessons that travel imparts. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, openness, and adaptability when exploring new places, framing travel not merely as leisure but as a pathway to personal growth and understanding. These stories highlight Joanna’s adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, and deep appreciation for the richness of human experience.

The episode also touches on Joanna’s recent work and ongoing projects. She discusses Amandaland, a series that continues her tradition of engaging storytelling, blending humor with keen observations about contemporary life. Joanna’s enthusiasm for her work is evident; she speaks with energy and joy, demonstrating that passion and creativity need not fade with age. Listeners are reminded that Joanna’s career is defined not only by past achievements but by a continuous pursuit of meaningful and enjoyable endeavors.

Throughout the podcast, the interplay between food, conversation, and storytelling creates an intimate and immersive experience for listeners. The act of preparing and enjoying a meal together mirrors the themes of balance, care, and connection that Joanna emphasizes in her reflections. From the casual pouring of elderflower pressé to the meticulous preparation of gnocchi, the sensory details enhance the narrative, making the listener feel as if they are present in the studio, sharing both the meal and the conversation.

By the end of the episode, it is clear that this is more than a casual chat; it is a celebration of a remarkable life and career. Joanna Lumley embodies a rare combination of humor, intellect, empathy, and charm. Her stories entertain, educate, and inspire, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the woman behind the public persona. She reminds us of the importance of curiosity, compassion, and joy, demonstrating that a life well-lived is one filled with exploration, connection, and laughter.

This episode of Dish is a testament to Joanna Lumley’s enduring appeal. It captures the essence of a woman who has navigated fame, adventure, and personal growth with grace and authenticity. Her reflections on vegetarianism, career, travel, and relationships provide both entertainment and insight, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with listeners. From the laughter in the kitchen to the heartfelt advice about love and life, Joanna’s presence illuminates every corner of the conversation.

In the end, Dame Joanna Lumley proves once again why she is not only a television icon but also a model of resilience, curiosity, and warmth. She has lived a life that embraces both the extraordinary and the everyday, demonstrating that true greatness comes from a combination of talent, integrity, and the courage to explore the world with an open heart. For listeners, this episode of Dish is an invitation to savor not only delicious food but also the richness of a life fully lived, guided by humor, compassion, and boundless curiosity.