Miriam Margolyes has caused controversy once again by using the "f word" live on BBc Radio 4 on Saturday morning's Today Programme.
Margolyes had been in the studio to pay tribute to Robbie Coltrane who she worked with when he played Hagrid. As the live interview ended she changed the subject after spotting the new Chnacellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt nearby.
“When I saw him there I said, ‘You’ve got a hell of a job, best of luck.’ And what I really want to say was, ‘Fuck you, bastard.’ But you cant say that," she said.
There is some suggestion that she didn't realise she was still on air. Needless to say though social media went intoa. frenzy. Largely supporting the outspoken star.
Dinos Sofos shared the audio clip and tweeted: "Possibly the greatest moment in the Today programme’s history courtesy of Miriam Margolyes."
Presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy offered the benefit of his experience as a broadcaster: "The truth is you only book Miriam Margolyes to be live on air if you are either hoping she says something outrageous, or are a new producer who has never seen her on anything before."
Katy Burke tweeted: "Miriam Margolyes makes my day again by saying “fuck you” on radio 4."
Chris Bryant, Labour MP for The Rhondda tweeted: "Grant Myriam Margolyes the Order of Merit immediately. #ohdearohdear"
James Hogg tweeted: "Miriam Margolyes and Brian Blessed don't drink alcohol. Now take 5 minutes and imagine what would happen if they did. You won't sleep tonight but it's fun.."
Poet/writer Michael Rosen added: "Miriam Margolyes! She's done it again."
Emma Kennedy tweeted: "Gotta love Margolyes"
Even squeaky clean Anneka Rice appeared to approve: "A joy to start the day to Miriam Margolyes saying ‘Fuck you’ on Radio 4. I love her reliability!"
In 2020 TV watchdog Ofcom received 241 complaints following Miriam Margolyes' appearance on The Last Leg and she said via Zoom that she had had "difficulty not wanting Boris Johnson to die" when he had Coronavirus.
Listen to Miriam Margolyes on the Today Programme here.
