Ashley Jensen on Ricky Gervais, Samuel L. Jackson and David Bowie

Joining Rob this week is a guest who has taken a break from sleuthing in the Shetland isles. Straight from the pages of MODE magazine, she’s more than just an Extra, it’s the one and only Ashley Jensen. Rob finds out about Ashley’s first big break, what makes Ricky Gervais stop telling jokes and what it was really like working with Samuel L. Jackson, David Bowie and Ben Stiller. Rob also explores Ashely’s new starring role in the BBC drama series Shetland.
Listen to the full podcast on all your favourite podcast streaming platforms: link.chtbl.com/RobBrydonPod
Enjoyed the video? Make sure to drop a comment and hit the LIKE button.
Subscribe 👉 bit.ly/3jMvIiq and hit the 🔔 to get notifications!
Rob Brydon is best known for his work on The Trip, Gavin & Stacey and presenting the BBC One comedy panel show Would I Lie To You?
Also check out Rob’s other Social Media pages:
👉 / robbrydon
👉 / robbrydon
👉 / robbrydon
🎥 This channel is a co-production with The Talent Bank

[@RobbieB2606]

Ashley trying to learn Man in the Box is one of the top moments of the entire podcast 😂

[@graciehughes4359]

Preach!! I'm crying

[@davidevans3227]

and the noise he makes when she says... i want to talk about the wee man in the box

[@craigie13]

The funniest thing I've seen in ages

[@MartinCellarDJ]

One of the top moments of the entirety of podcasts. I'm starting this clip again from the beginning.

[@helenwatermelon]

I just laughed sooo hard at that!!!

[@RoyLake]

Watching Ashley laugh is joyous

[@MaltAndPepper]

I can listen to Ashley for hours. The combination of her accent, her sense of humour and her friendliness is awesome :-)

[@davidabache9432]

Ashley Jensen made 'Extras'; would rewatch it time and time again for her beloved character 'Maggie'. Lovely interview Rob, Ashley seems like such a sweet person.

[@canadaclaret]

I saw Samuel L. Jackson in a play last January. The funniest part happened in the dark just before the play when he did the announcement welcoming everyone, reminding us not to take pictures and to open candies and lozenges... Ending with "...and turn off your motherfucking phones!"

[@justmyster1976]

I eat a sandwich this morning. As we're sharing irrelevant, boring stories?

[@canadaclaret]

@@justmyster1976 I think you meant to say "I ate a sandwich this morning."

[@canadaclaret]

@@justmyster1976 you may have missed it but Miss Jensen spoke at length about how impressive and charismatic she had found Samuel L Jackson. I mentioned the incident at the play because I found it funny. You see, in English, it is rather unusual for the audience to be addressed with the term "motherfucking" at a Broadway theatre, especially before the show has even begun. Unusual, but at the same time, perfectly on brand for Jackson, for whom variations on the word "motherfucker" are his signature. Your misuse of the word "eat" suggests to me that English might not be your first language. On the other hand, it is clear that "snarky" is your default attitude, so much so that you wasted your own time to point out to the whole world that you hadn't been able to understand a stranger's little anecdote.

[@markosolo]

@@justmyster1976 I wouldn't say it was irrelevant, just like calling you a knobhead wouldn't be either. The last fact being very relevant I'd say.

[@tago69mago671]

Well I thought it was pretty amusing!

[@mr5mitten5]

Love Ashley Jensen and Rob Brydon is just fantastic. He's a national treasure and should have his own chat show on tv. He is so much better than what we currently have. He asks interesting questions and if he interrupts with a funny aside he then steers the other person back to the question. Instead of just interrupting with something that usually isn't funny and then talking about something else so we never get to hear the end of the question like so many ego driven interviewers do.

[@chrisf7189]

He did used to, years ago

[@mr5mitten5]

@@chrisf7189 Wow I have no recollection of this at all, I must have watched it at the time too. Well more Rob Brydon anywhere doing anything as far as I'm concerned!

[@normhiscock14]

Love Ashley. Pure funny and a delight.

[@candjim]

Thanks for this. I haven't laughed and smiled this much for ages. You both are wonderful 😊

[@darinsingleton3553]

A joyous respite from a devastatingly gruesome world. This show is one of things I am grateful for on this day of Thanks, here in the U.S.

[@johnhendy803]

Rob, you really should get Ashley on WILTY 😅

[@robyourtime]

I’m so glad she’s taken over Shetland. I was worried the show was going to be ruined, but she’s the perfect cast

[@RosieHarp]

Shetland *is* ruined, but she didn't ruin it.

[@stephenfenwick4309]

I listened to the podcast earlier. I just love Ashley's voice. She is such a brilliant talented woman. And I love watching the Extras bloopers when she and Gervais show how much chemistry as a double-act they have!

[@timothygraham4304]

The DVD extra where she was supposed to be cleaning, and them watching to see how long she would carry on, was brilliant!😂

[@RosieHarp]

The Dumfries accent is quite pleasant to the ear 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davephilpotphilpot9867]

Small man in a box has got to be one of the finest demonstrations of vocal dexterity that has ever been or will ever be heard in this era or any other era ! it stands alone as a piece of art that will never be surpassed

[@mrmeg01]

Steady on

[@Isleofskye]

O pride myself on my Powers Of Observation and, on balance,I would say that you are a fan of that routine:)

[@daylearceneaux4083]

Ashley, you were just brilliant in Extras. ( from an American who just recently was able to watch the show )

[@OriginalCaliKitty]

I was late in discovering Ashley. I did watch Ugly Betty, but her character didn't really have that much to do. What made me love her was Agatha Raisin, which PBS ran for a while. I loved the physical humor and everything else she brought to the role. And she's been delightful in every interview I've seen with her. I also admired her strength when she was coping with personal tragedy.

[@johnaron9819]

Hope that you have watched every single episode of "Extras".

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

why?@@johnaron9819

[@imaner76]

I've always loved her work. Ashley Jensen is a gem of the British acting fraternity and a delight. I first came across her in the early 90's, she has been a delight since. Rob I really enjoyed this, thank you.

[@relocatetoItaly]

Two naturally funny people great... So easy

[@janmitchell641]

I love Ashley Jensen! Fabulous interview!

[@tago69mago671]

She's so lovely and natural and always makes me laugh.

[@jdavison8551]

Amongst all his other gifts to the community as an entertainer, Rob has now provided another invaluable public service;- a crystal clear antidote for any kind of misogyny or sexism, by the simple expedient of introducing Ashley Jensen. Excellent stuff. She was great with RG in “After Life” too.

[@TONY_FEZ]

would love to have heard more about the time she spent with Bowie!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I'd happily tolerate half an hour in a room with Rob Brydon if Ashley Jensen were there 😀

[@maureenrhysjones4643]

OOH! This is just delightful!! Thank you for posting! Two very funny, very talented people who've brought so much joy to me in so many different guises. Such a wonderful relief from all the dreadful news. Should be more of BOTH of them! xxx

[@arrulf]

Did not realise that I had misset Ahley laughing! What a delight !

[@lloydwaycott8178]

I just tried really hard to do Little Man In A Box. When I regained consciousness I decided never to try again.

[@andreamanning3297]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Ashley stop doing the little man in a box. So funny. Thanks for that Rob!

[@nmcmcole]

Rob doing "man in a box" is too fucking funny. I almost choked on my drink. And it's every f@cking time... its too mich

[@manikorganic9169]

Best guest ever Rob! And you've had some fabulous ones.

[@RosieHarp]

I love Rob Brydon's interview 'technique'. I don't think anyone could feel nervous talking to him.

[@MartinCellarDJ]

Glorious. Both of them. Just glorious.

[@denisesf5]

Great session Rob...Loved it!!!

[@paulgardner3451]

Rob has such a relaxing voice.

[@danmayberry1185]

Shetland grabbed my Canadian attention from the get go. Mind boggling, the serious crimes per capita.

[@sammydavej]

So funny! Can't believe Ashley hasn't done a podcast until now!

[@ianhunter412]

Classic What a wonderful chat to watch and listen to

[@Isleofskye]

Lovely interview:)

[@Liss484]

Love love love Ashley!!!

[@edjack1993]

That was thoroughly enjoyable!

[@nigelwallis9223]

OMG that was just the best television. Ashley is just fantastic, how anything gets done when she starts laughing, I’ve no idea. Another top quality interview, thank you

[@tiffer67]

Great viewing figures for Shetland 8 & a lot of that is down to Ashley Jensen & the incredible work of everyone, from the other cast, supporting artists, crew, writers & producers. Never easy to reinvent a series after the lead actor leaves. C'mon BBC give us another series & keep me in a job!

[@layalabi1667]

Thank you!! I really enjoyed laughing aloud...made my day!!!

[@kingloser4198]

I learnt to do small man in a box when I was on the toilet once. Never looked back since.

[@HughRaine]

I learned at work when someone I was a bit competitive with was trying to do it and I just banged it out first try. Showed him.

[@palmeraj70]

Just brilliant! 😁 I've enjoyed so many of these, but I don't think anyone has made me laugh as much as Ashley did. I could spend a lot of time with her, practising the man in the box 😂 (the man in the box VOICE, for clarification!)

[@bobchr0]

So much fun. Great rapport.

[@leedsdrumacademy]

Her impression of Gervais was actually pretty good!

[@preachercaine]

I love Ashley, she is hilarious

[@jackhammer_au9961]

Absolutely love Ashley! She's so funny and has a wicked personality.

[@davidmacey5422]

What an absolute delight Ashley is.

[@aidanm5578]

That Scottish MIB was perfect.

[@ViewerNumber9]

This was lovely. Ashley's a great guest. Much more sincere & pleasant than Robbie William's self indulgent pity party offerings.

[@emucat1]

milkmaid's badge -"..easy.." 😅😂

[@morpheusdorpheusorpheus]

Oh man I haven’t seen Ashley since the Extra days! Absolutely loved her always wished she was in more stuff! Hey hi from America btw

[@nickmoranis2865]

I was watching an old episode of Rab C Nesbitt. Ashley pops up! Love her. Oor Maggie.

[@PaulDowsettUK]

Can't wait for the new show, "Celebrities in a box" :D

[@simonsaysrewind]

That was so good. 🎉

[@craigmitcham2619]

brilliant loved that

[@TribuneReckster]

Very good show Mr. Drydent, Byrond, Brydon.

[@SnappyDuck]

I love her!!

[@gudgengrebe]

I loved both of you in this 😀😀😀❤️

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Brilliant, best podcast I've found since Joe Rogan

[@raythomas4812]

That was wonderful - Man I'm a box - I thought my Speaker had broke !

[@lewisdowsett8390]

Ashley you are a brilliant actress so funny but your also amazing in shetland I was sceptical but its like youve always been on it

[@katg7965]

When he said...There's our railer cracked me up 😂

[@Rjhs001]

Loved every minute of this and I've been a bit in love with Ashley (don't tell my wife!) since Roughnecks.

[@miserablesod1]

just delightful xx

[@jabo2168]

Omg. This had me laughing so hard I almost peed my pants

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Can't get enough of The Man in the Box.

[@TheFartGallery]

Not much of a fan of Ashley afore this podcast ... but she is a naturally nice person .... now a fan!

[@Leanne2401]

She’s beautiful, love anything she’s in!

[@dawnsmith4703]

The best, lovely Ashley Jenson.

[@PontiacS.]

Only seen her in "Extras". Fell in Love with her in that. She was Soooooo Great.

[@mikehinford]

Billy Connelly in a box, was awesome! I want to here Rob do that more! 🙂

[@jacrawshaw]

What a joy

[@OvercookedOctopusFeet]

Ashley Jensen is the most beautiful woman in the world.

[@bjornagaintobywilde]

Solid gold

[@bjornagaintobywilde]

Are you an asthmatic?.…

[@rsc3407]

So good

[@caroline4323]

She is so very likeable. I can´t remember what I have seen her in but she is a treat.

[@ryanharriss7950]

I love the man in the box thing

[@Eric-zo8wo]

0:11: 🎙 The hosts discuss their experiences working on the show Ugly Betty and the excitement of hearing their names announced during table reads. 4:07: 🎬 The speaker talks about their experience auditioning for Ugly Betty and their decision to leave the show after three seasons. 8:08: 🎬 Billy Connolly talks about his experience filming the show Shetland. 11:24: 🎬 The speaker discusses discrepancies in their IMDb page and their experience working with Ricky and Steven on the show 'The Office'. 15:29: 🗣 Steve talks about the guests on Extras and how it was a big deal at the time. 19:05: 🗣 The speaker discusses a conversation about 'Man in the Box' and the various voices used during a theater performance. 22:56: 🎭 The video is about a conversation between two actors who worked together in a play called 'Chorus of Disapproval' at the Harold Pinter theater in 2012. Recapped using Tammy AI

[@Isleofskye]

I enjoyed listening to Steve,as you mentioned. Did he make a cameo appearance?

[@timothygraham4304]

That might be helpful to someone, but I can't think why someone wouldn't watch the whole thing.

[@terri6854]

@timothygraham4304 It's impossible that you couldn't think of a reason why someone wouldn't watch the whole thing.

[@Isleofskye]

@@timothygraham4304Well, if you ask me for a straight answer, then I shall say that, as far as I can see, looking at it by and large, taking one thing with another in terms of thought processes, then, in the final analysis, it is probably true to say, that at the end of the day, in general terms, you would probably find that, not to put too fine a point on it, there probably wasn't very much in the argument od for watching the whole video or against it, one way or the other. As far as one can see, at this stage.

[@Isleofskye]

@@terri6854 Well, if you ask me for a straight answer, then I shall say that, as far as I can see, looking at it by and large, taking one thing with another in terms of thought processes, then, in the final analysis, it is probably true to say, that at the end of the day, in general terms, you would probably find that, not to put too fine a point on it, there probably wasn't very much in the argument od for watching the whole video or against it, one way or the other. As far as one can see, at this stage.

[@simonbath]

'the little opening....' nice self edit, Rob

[@oli230]

She's adorable 😊

[@Cruithneach]

Who's the off camera interviewer in The Office then? It certainly sounds like her

[@ToilerOnTheSea]

Billy Connolly in a box!!! Genius.

[@steveoshow4832]

Marvellous.. Shetland has certainly moved up a notch with Ashley J now on board. Trouble is now I cannot get the image of Ashley as a milkmaid out of my mind🙃PS Imagine a Four In A Bed series with Rob B, Ruth Jones, Ricky G, Ashley J, Steve Coogan, Diane Morgan, Stephen Merchant, David Earl for instance….Would be fantastic 😎👌

[@sera2775]

rob's doc brown bleeds into his pacino :)

[@shorerocks]

Lovely.

[@TheRidgeChannel]

Come on Rob. Get Ricky in …..😊

[@seanys]

Rob only wants to talk about Billy so he can pull out an impression! 😂😂

[@moleahjobe]

Rob only lives to pull out impressions 😂

[@danmayberry1185]

Did you ever work with Ronnie Corbett?

[@davidevans3227]

she did the impression of him?

[@TheAuteurist23]

21:31 the wisdom of a true master

[@mcooper593]

Thank goodness Ashley Jenson is using her original accent (It would be over for her if she hadn’t kept her original accent). I remember her is “Down among the Big Boys”. and I still think this was her best performance. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@VideoNozoki]

Ashley Jensen is just so pleasant. She is like hot coco personified.

[@JamesVytas]

20:53 😂😂😂

[@rob1969in]

This would be so much better if Rob didn't keep interrupting or cutting off the end of Ashley's stories

[@sharpvidtube]

I remember Freddie Star could do the man in a box, would've been great to get them together, two men in boxes.

[@heeeeeresrossy]

"Would you rather be you, with your face and your legs, and the brain of a chimpanzee, or would you rather be a chimpanzee, but with your brain?" - Maggie Jacobs

[@gerapeldoorn8283]

I loved The CLass, by the way.

[@deccanheffalump]

❤

[@chrisnieto5547]

National treasures

[@Car_toz]

Next week - Brydon & Man in a box

[@resplendentpeace]

16:43 That's the best Ricky impression ever!

[@TheDinnermoney]

Hilarious.