Celia Imrie has said she does not want to be defined by farting on The Celebrity Traitors. The 74-year-old actress appeared on the first season of the hit spin-off series last year, alongside famous faces including Alan Carr, Paloma Faith and Stephen Fry.
One notable moment came when Imrie broke wind during a challenge, leaving fellow contestants in fits of laughter. A year on, she has reflected on how her flatulence became a defining moment of the series.
‘I didn’t mean to fart’
“I am guilty of doing anything for a laugh, but I didn’t mean to fart,” she told The Times. “I was nervous. I can’t believe it became such a huge thing and I don’t want to be defined by it.”
Assigned as a faithful, Imrie made it halfway through the season before being murdered in episode eight – a result she said still frustrates her. “I was a bit annoyed that I didn’t win The Celebrity Traitors,” she said.
Advice for Richard E Grant
Last week the second season of the show was released, with Imrie revealing fellow actor Richard E Grant asked her for advice. “Richard rang me up and asked what it was like. I said I didn’t quite know what I was letting myself in for, but it was good fun, although it’s very strict and there is an element of cruelty about the game,” she said.
“It’s hard always being on, keeping the brain working, but I’m pleased I did it, especially because I have a whole new fan base, lots of younger people.”
Reactions to the moment
After the fart, which was picked up by microphones, presenter Claudia Winkleman said: “What just happened?” Imrie responded: “I just farted, Claudia. It’s nerves, but I always own up.”
TV sports presenter Clare Balding later called the fart the highlight of her time on the show, which she said was “so funny”. Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway also recalled how it was “so loud”. “How could somebody so elegant, so petite, so gracious, let off that huge sound, and it was so nerve-racking in a serious moment,” she said on GMB. “It was my favourite, favourite moment in that cabin, which was deeply unpleasant. She’s adorable, we salute you.”
Traitors Uncloaked host Ed Gamble also said the show-stopping fart was the highlight of the season, joking it “altered the dynamic of guffs”. He told BBC Breakfast: “I’m going to have to say Celia’s fart. I know there’s so much more that goes into this show, it’s such an incredible team, it looks beautiful, these huge, sweeping shots of the beautiful Highlands, but there’s nothing funnier than a fart, especially when it comes from a national treasure.”
Carr – who won the season – even mentioned the fart on stage at the Bafta TV Awards in May. After picking up the award for TV memorable moment of the year for the moment he won the series, he said: “Sometimes, when I’m a bit sad, I’ll sit there and remember the laughter. You know, I can even still smell Celia’s fart.”
Imrie is best known for appearing in films including the Bridget Jones series, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and The Thursday Murder Club.
