Miranda Hart has returned to television after a prolonged absence caused by serious health issues, revealing that her participation in the upcoming BBC One series The Celebrity Traitors has reignited her passion for performing. The actress and comedian, known for her eponymous sitcom and her role in Call the Midwife, spoke candidly about her ongoing battle with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.
At 53, Hart is making a significant comeback, having spent years largely out of the public eye due to undiagnosed Lyme disease contracted in her youth, which later developed into ME. The condition left her bedridden for extended periods, forcing her to step away from acting. She described the offer to join The Celebrity Traitors—set to premiere October 1—as a turning point that brought her renewed enthusiasm and emotional relief. "My whole body sort of relaxed. I smiled and I just wanted to jump about like a schoolgirl with joy," she said.
Though Hart continues to manage symptoms such as fatigue and pain, she expressed that she feels well enough to re-engage professionally. The Celebrity Traitors represents her most substantial television role since the final full series of Miranda aired 11 years ago, with only a one-off special broadcast in 2019. Since then, she has made a slow recovery and, in 2024, married building company manager Richard Fairs.
Hart acknowledged the challenges posed by her chronic illness, emphasizing its invisible nature and the personal courage required to participate in physically demanding programming. "Hopefully, they can carry me up a hill or whatever we’re going to have to do," she added humorously. She also highlighted the social aspect of the show, looking forward to forming new friendships and mutual support among contestants.
Asked about her potential role on the show, whether as a Traitor or a Faithful, Hart indicated confidence in her abilities. She described herself as adept at both lying and detecting deception, citing her track record on the panel game Would I Lie to You? as evidence of her skill in spotting untruths, though she admitted to disliking dishonesty outside of gameplay.
Hart will share the show’s setting, Ardross Castle, with a diverse group of contestants, including actress Bella Ramsey, known for The Last of Us, who expressed excitement about working alongside Hart. Contrastingly, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, another participant, adopted a more competitive stance, declaring he would not hesitate to betray even close friends in the game, underscoring the strategic and deceptive nature of the series.
The Celebrity Traitors, featuring a mix of entertainers and personalities, promises a blend of competition and camaraderie as its contestants navigate both physical challenges and psychological intrigue.