Jacinda Ardern's appearance on The Graham Norton Show offered a captivating glimpse into her life, revealing both personal anecdotes and insights into her time as Prime Minister of New Zealand. The former leader's appearance on the popular UK talk show, alongside luminaries like Kate Winslet, Alan Carr, and Seth Meyers, provided a platform for a candid conversation. But what exactly made this interview so special?
Ardern's presence on the famed red couch coincided with the UK release of the documentary Prime Minister, which host Graham Norton lauded as "truly extraordinary." The discussion ranged from her role in the documentary to her personal life.
Before diving into the political aspects, the conversation took a lighthearted turn, reminiscing about the inevitable Lord of the Rings connection. This included mentions of Winslet's early film role and Ardern's amusing failed audition to play a Hobbit.
And this is the part most people miss... The talk then transitioned to a more personal revelation: Ardern's discovery of her pregnancy during the 2017 coalition negotiations. Winslet's reaction, a simple "You’re even more amazing," underscored the magnitude of the situation. Ardern herself joked about the "terrible planning," adding a touch of humor to the moment.
Winslet's admiration for Ardern was evident, with the actress exclaiming, "Oh my god, she is amazing," drawing cheers from the audience.
The interview continued with lighthearted moments, including Ardern's humorous reflections on how she might have explained away morning sickness during a Parliamentary ceremony. The focus then shifted back to Prime Minister, with Ardern highlighting the crucial role of her partner, Gayford, in the documentary's creation. She explained that he was the only one who could have captured the behind-the-scenes moments, including her in pajamas and bathrobes. She hoped the documentary would showcase a different style of leadership.
Norton noted moments in Prime Minister where Ardern appeared "quite tetchy." Ardern responded with humor, adding that the footage's candid nature was never intended. A clip from the documentary showed Ardern's reaction to an opposition question about the economic effects of Covid lockdowns. Her candid admission, "I wanted to punch him in the face," drew laughter and applause.
But here's where it gets controversial... Fans hoping for a political comeback will be disappointed, as Ardern firmly stated, "No," when asked about her future in politics.
Episode 10, Series 33 of The Graham Norton Show, featuring Kate Winslet, Jacinda Ardern, Alan Carr, and Seth Meyers, is scheduled to air on TVNZ and TVNZ+ on Friday, December 12th.
What do you think about Ardern's leadership style? Do you agree with her decision to step away from politics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
