Famous lesbian Miriam Margolyes at centre of ‘racism row’ after using ‘slur’ on This Morning
Miriam Margolyes reportedly turned down The Celebrity Traitors. (David Levenson/Getty Images)
Miriam Margolyes is at the centre of a ‘racism’ row, following comments on ITV’s This Morning (Image: David Levenson/Getty Images)
Miriam Margolyes’ This Morning interview has been edited for ITVX after she used the term “high yalla” to describe presenter Andi Peters’ skin tone on air, prompting a backlash online.
The 85-year-old actor appeared on the ITV daytime programme on 3 September to promote her book Miriam’s Full English. During the conversation, Margolyes, adopting an apparent Irish accent, asked Peters: “But what accent would be normal for you?” He replied: “This is normal. This is what I am,” before Margolyes continued (in her supposed Irish accent): “Oh, you’re a mix, aren’t you? You’ve got a black daddy and a white mummy.”
Peters corrected her, saying: “No, no, no. Both my parents are black,” as the discussion moved from accents to his appearance. Margolyes then referred to him as “high yalla”, a phrase usually considered to be an offensive US slang term for a Black person with a light complexion.
Producers were reportedly heard to intervene via Peters’ earpiece as the exchange continued. Peters acknowledged it on air, saying: “Oh, okay. They’re getting nervous now. They’re getting nervous now.” Margolyes replied: “Don’t be nervous,” adding: “We welcome everybody. That’s what I want to write about in my book. It’s about inclusion.”
ITVX edit and reaction
After the broadcast, the exchange was later removed from the ITVX version of the interview.
Viewers also posted criticism on X, with some calling the moment racist and others disputing that characterisation.
Margolyes’ public profile
Margolyes is a British-Australian actor known for frank, often provocative TV appearances and comedic storytelling. She played Professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter film series and remains a familiar face across UK chat shows and radio, including her comments on the Harry Potter remake. Margolyes is openly lesbian and has a long-time partner, Heather Sutherland, and she has also spoken about her work life, including her Cameo earnings.
