Celia Imrie has revealed that she was once stopped by police in the US after being mistaken for a prostitute. The 74-year-old actress, known for her role in Calendar Girls and her appearance on Celebrity Traitors, shared the story on the Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast.
Hotel Mix-Up Leads to Police Encounter
Imrie explained that she was in Los Angeles while a friend was in Davis, about 400 miles further north. They decided to meet halfway and booked a room at the Radisson hotel in Fresno, California. However, when they arrived at around 6:30 pm, they found the hotel boarded up.
With no one around, they noticed a nearby casino was open and went inside to ask about the Radisson. Locals told them the hotel had moved across town, so the pair set off through an unfamiliar area to find it.
Misunderstanding with Police
As night fell, they moved to a better-lit area. When two men approached, Imrie stopped them to ask for directions, but they misunderstood her intentions and fled. Moments later, a police car pulled up and the officer asked, "Are you two street walking... seriously?"
Despite their explanation that they were looking for a hotel, the officer ordered them into the car. Imrie recalled, "She put the flat of her hand on my head and shoved me down into this, back of her police car, you know, black and white, real flashing and everything."
Free Ride to the Hotel
After checking her radio, the officer confirmed the hotel had relocated and accepted their account. She warned them that the area was not safe and drove them to the front door of the Radisson. Imrie noted that the receptionist "wasn't very pleased."
Reflecting on the ride, Imrie said the seat had a "Bakelite" feel. When Joe Marler teased that she had enjoyed the experience, she admitted she had "loved" it.
