Comedian Miriam Margolyes, known for her unfiltered opinion, has shared what she really thinks about Australia in her trademark outspoken style.
During a recent appearance on KIIS FM’s Kyle & Jackie O show on Thursday, January 23, the Harry Potter star spoke openly about her perceptions of Australia, particularly her thoughts on the country’s culture of politeness.
“Oh, f**k darling, terrible,” she stated.
“I love Australia, I think it’s a fabulous country. But I think it’s going a bit wonky at the moment, like the rest of the world. But no, I do care about it. And I am an Australian citizen.
“I became a citizen because my partner is Australian, and I wanted to be ever closer to Australia.”
Margolyes, whose latest ABC series focuses on New Zealand, even suggested that her “allegiance has slipped slightly and gone to New Zealand” since.
The outspoken comedian has never shied away from speaking her mind. Recently she unleashed a scathing critique on fellow comedy legend and Monty Python star John Cleese, branding him as “poisonous”.
The unexpected verbal jab sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans bewildered.
Margolyes didn’t hold back when discussing Cleese in a recent interview with The Guardian, revealing that during her university days she performed with the Footlights show alongside members of Monty Python and was treated with contempt.
“They sent me to Coventry. I would go on stage, get the laughs, then I’d come off and was completely ignored,” she said.
When asked if she took any action against the alleged unfavourable treatment, Margolyes revealed that she didn’t as she “was too crushed”.
“I think they thought I was too full of myself because in those days women were literally not allowed to join the club,” she told the publication.
“Graham Chapman and John Cleese were poisonous. John was a brilliant comedian in his day, but something has turned. Like milk, he’s gone sour. He’s an irrelevance.”
While she took issue with Cleese, she did speak favourably of other members Michael Palin and Eric Idle.
“Michael Palin is completely different. He’s a darling, a special man. And Eric Idle is lovely, a friend of mine,” she said.
“He’s incredibly intelligent and very funny.”