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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Tamara Davison

Who is Celia Imrie? The Traitors star who has become a national treasure

Celia Imrie (Cody Burridge/BBC) - (PA Media)

Celia Imrie, the 73-year-old British actor, appears to have found herself a new fanbase after diving headfirst into the wild antics of the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors.

The iconic film star, known for starring in hit productions such as Bridget Jones and Mamma Mia!, has certainly made an impression in the reality show thanks to her empathetic nature and bubbly personality.

As one of the oldest competitors on the reality series, Imrie’s lovable and warm nature has naturally led her to assume the role of a motherly figure in the famous castle.

Yet, as the competition stakes mount, she’s also not one to shy away from getting stuck in with the various challenges and banishments.

From passing air in front of Claudia Winkleman to leaving her fellow co-stars in stitches during the latest episode, viewers have rightly dubbed her a national treasure, with many hoping that she makes it to the final.

“Celia really needs to be made a DAME,” wrote one viewer, expressing a sentiment felt among many fans of the show.

But who is Celia Imrie? Here’s what you need to know.

Imrie was referring to an old nursery rhyme (BBC)

Who is Celia Imrie?

Celia Imrie is a British actor and author who has spent the majority of her life working in the film and TV space.

Born in Guildford, Imrie has starred in numerous prominent productions since the 1970s, including Upstairs, Downstairs and Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV.

She’s also appeared in various high-profile films throughout her successful career, including Bridget Jones, Calendar Girls, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Her most recent appearance was in Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club.

Aside from her TV and film work, Celia has appeared in numerous theatre productions across London and beyond, and has more recently become an author.

Away from the limelight, Celia is the mother of Angus Imrie, an actor known for starring in The Archers.

She is also an OBE and an Olivier Award recipient.

Lucy Beaumont and Celia Imrie (BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)

Is Celia Imrie a Traitor?

Celia has undoubtedly won the hearts of BBC viewers for her efforts in the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors.

She is currently operating as a Faithful, trying to unmask the three sneaky Traitors hidden among the cast.

But, everything could change as the show progresses. With more recruitments, banishments and murders expected in the coming episodes as the cast vie for a shot at winning £100,000 for charity.

Speaking previously about joining the cast, Imrie admitted that she was certainly intrigued about what would emerge during the show.

“It's the most talked about game on television, isn't it?” she said. “And on both sides of the Atlantic, worldwide in fact. I just think it's such a clever invention. I'd love to meet the person who thought it up.”

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