Miriam Margolyes vs. Lily Allen: A Graham Norton Showdown Revisited

Ah, the Graham Norton Show. It’s a delightful cocktail of celebrity banter, awkward moments, and the occasional unexpected clash. We’re looking back at one such clash, a slow-burning ember from that still sparks debate – Miriam Margolyes versus Lily Allen.

Miriam Margolyes, the national treasure known for her roles in “Harry Potter,” “Blackadder,” and her unapologetically frank demeanor, has a knack for saying what everyone else is thinking (whether they like it or not). But there’s one Graham Norton episode that, according to Miriam, left a rather sour taste in her mouth.

The London Showdown on Graham’s Couch

Let’s rewind to a chilly February night back in . Sharing the famed red sofa that night were actress Miriam Margolyes, singer Lily Allen, and “Mamma Mia” star Dominic Cooper. While the episode might have seemed like standard Graham Norton fare – filled with lighthearted jokes and playful ribbing – it later emerged that Miriam wasn’t entirely thrilled with her fellow guest, Lily Allen. The Independent reported on Miriam’s candid comments about the incident at the Hay Festival, where she didn’t mince words, stating that Lily “wasn’t friendly and I didn’t like that and so I showed my dislike.” Ouch!

A Little Less Sunshine, A Little More Shade

In the years since, Miriam has confessed that perhaps her on-air behavior towards Lily wasn’t her finest hour. She’s even suggested that the age difference between her (a sprightly at the time) and Lily might have played a part. In classic Miriam fashion, she quipped that she perhaps should have taken it upon herself to “teach” young Lily a thing or two about manners.