Comedian and actress Helen Lederer has described her time on Celebrity Big Brother as "a really harsh test", reflecting on the emotional pressures of life in the house. Lederer, who appeared on the reality show in 2017, said she initially coped well but found the claustrophobia and group dynamic challenging.
Reflecting on the experience
Speaking to Zingo Bingo, Lederer said: "I had started out fine, and lasted for a fair whack of time. But I think looking back, the claustrophobia and being in a group of people - I think that is actually a really harsh test."
She explained that maintaining a sense of self could be difficult amid the pressures of making a television show, reports the Express. "People are surrendering themselves to make a TV series and you have to keep hold of your sense of self.
"It's really hard because it's human instinct to want approval. Even though it's all just a game and you can be all lofty about it, it's still an emotional experience."
Eviction and aftermath
Lederer was the 7th housemate to be evicted, leaving at the same time as Sandi Bogle as part of a double exit. She said she was surprised to have kept her sanity, revealing at the time of her exit: "I'm so surprised I'm here sitting upright and talking to you. Everyone is mad. Derek speaks. Shaun does quizzes. Sandi cooks all the time. And I try to avert disaster trying to look neutral and pleasant.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity. It's like you're at a party or school playground when noone's talking to you. It's quite challenging. It's quite lonely. And you don't have your best friend or someone with the same humour. I did one day of crying. I'm sure we all did secretly. I was dull."
Absolutely Fabulous memories
Away from reality television, Lederer is known for playing Catriona in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, appearing in 13 episodes between 1992 and 2012. She reflected on working alongside Dame Joanna Lumley, praising the actress's warmth and support.
"Joanna is just the most genuinely charming person you could hope to meet. Honestly, really good eye contact. She's unafraid and is an incredible storyteller," Lederer said. "She's always been very supportive of me. Joanna is a very special individual, very modest, but absolutely knows what she's doing. You have these two formidable intelligent women, so it was very easy company, but we also knew our place."
Among her favourite memories of filming was a series-three episode in which Catriona had the chance to take over the position held by Jane Horrocks' character, Bubble. "There is a lovely bit of improvisation with Jane and myself on the set. Obviously, it was cut. But the live audience got very excited and thrilled. You would hardly have to do anything and they just laughed. It was just madness."
Lederer said the sitcom's impact had stayed with her, recalling an encounter with someone who had watched it during a difficult period in his life. "I met someone once at a juice farm and he said that during one of the hardest times in his life, he was actually watching Ab Fab on TV. That's the power of it."
