Miranda Hart has made her long-awaited return to television, appearing as a Faithful on series two of BBC's The Celebrity Traitors. The 53-year-old actress and comedian stepped away from the limelight due to "long-term ill health issues," receiving a diagnosis of Lyme disease, thought to have been caught during her teenage years, alongside myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Health Struggles and Comeback
Before entering the castle, Hart detailed how she would cope with her condition while filming, revealing to the BBC: "I'm still living with elements of ME, and that brings fatigue and pain to manage, but I have come to a point where I feel well enough to step out, and that's also partly why I'm doing this." She added, "The joy of mucking about on television again will hopefully outweigh some of the challenges. And I think it will be challenging on my body, so it'll be interesting, and it'll take some courage as this is a big next step."
Hart also spoke about the invisible nature of chronic illness, saying, "When you live with a chronic illness, it's invisible, so people don't know that you're sitting there in pain. But then it reminds you that everybody's got their thing. So, I'm also really looking forward to making friends and looking after each other and hopefully they can carry me up a hill or whatever we're going to have to do!"
Viral Sensation and Fan Reactions
Hart has already captivated audiences, generating a viral sensation after crawling from a grave sporting a mud moustache. Viewers have observed that she bears an uncanny resemblance to her sitcom alter ego, who shares the same name. "Obsessed with every thing Miranda says sounding like it's straight out of her sitcom," penned one viewer. Another added: "Nothing makes me happier than knowing real life Miranda and fictional Miranda are the same person."
A third pleaded: "I hope Miranda Hart wins celebrity traitors and the BBC see how popular she was so they renew 'Miranda' for a reboot series."
Upcoming Appearance on Channel 4
For those craving more of the star, her upcoming television appearance has been announced and it's merely hours away. Following tonight's (October 9) Celebrity Traitors episode, Hart will feature on Channel 4's Live from the Lycett Arms at 10pm alongside her fellow Faithful, Joe Lycett. The show sees Joe and celebrity companions congregate at his mock 'pub' for one hour weekly, with tonight's instalment marking the season finale.
The duo will dissect all things Celebrity Traitors, with last week's programme showing Joe revisiting the notorious moment Richard E Grant admitted to being a Traitor alongside former The Traitors champion, Stephen Libby. Reacting to the announcement, one Miranda fan declared: "I am so here for this." Another added: "Miranda gives me life! She is just naturally calamitous like me and I'm here for it."
The Celebrity Traitors continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
