Miranda Hart says body was 'shocked' by Celebrity Traitors return after 10 years of ME

Miranda Hart has revealed her body went into "shock" during her television return on BBC's Celebrity Traitors, ending a decade-long absence from the spotlight. According to the Daily Mail, the 53-year-old comedian opened up about her "very emotional" experience after battling myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) for ten years ^[1]. Her involvement in the reality series marks her first major TV appearance since her self-titled sitcom concluded in 2015.

The Independent reported that Hart spent months bed-bound and unable to leave her house at the height of her illness ^[3]. She explained that her ME was caused by Lyme disease, a bacterial infection initially misdiagnosed as agoraphobia. It took medics 33 years to correctly identify the root cause of her chronic fatigue and pain, according to the Daily Mail ^[1].

Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Hart described the filming process as a mix of "boarding school, Outward Bound and a murder mystery weekend" ^[3]. "Fine, I'm all in! But my body was a bit shocked," she joked, noting that while she was excited, the physical demands were challenging. She admitted to getting particularly emotional when fellow contestant Joe Lycett was banished from the castle, highlighting the importance of connection during difficult times ^[1].

Hart, who married Richard Fairs in October 2024, said she felt ready to step out again despite continuing to manage fatigue and pain. "When you live with a chronic illness, it's invisible, so people don't know that you're sitting there in pain," she told the BBC ^[1]. Her return has sparked calls for a revival of Miranda, though she stated she cannot confirm if the sitcom will return, saying her guess is as good as anyone else's.

Fans have challenged the actress to perform her signature "gallop" within the Scottish castle setting. Hart joked that she might attempt it when no one is watching, or perhaps encourage new cast member Kenny to do it instead. The Celebrity Traitors airs on BBC1 at 8pm.