Acclaimed Actress, Olivier Award-Winning Performer, Author, Voice Artist, Royal Shakespeare Company Alumna & Screen Star

Celia Imrie is an acclaimed British actress, author, and voice artist celebrated for her remarkable versatility and enduring presence in film, television, and theatre. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she has captivated audiences with roles in ‘Calendar Girls’, ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’, ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’, and ‘The Thursday Murder Club’. A recipient of the Olivier Award and appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to drama, Celia is widely recognised as one of Britain’s most beloved and accomplished performers, admired for her wit, depth, and commanding screen presence.

Credentials and Impact

Celia’s career and credentials reflect a steady rise through decades of excellence and innovation. After training at the Guildford School of Acting, she began her career on stage, performing with prestigious companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company. In the 1970s and 1980s, she gained national attention through her collaborations with Victoria Wood, particularly in the television series ‘Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV’, where her comedic timing became a defining hallmark. Transitioning into film, she built a diverse portfolio of roles throughout the 1990s and 2000s, starring in productions such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and Calendar Girls.

Her stage work continued to earn acclaim, culminating in her 2006 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical for Acorn Antiques: The Musical!. She appeared in the political drama ‘The Diplomat’ and the critically praised comedy series ‘Better Things’, earning acclaim for her nuanced portrayals of complex, mature women. In 2025, she joined the cast of the hit reality series The Celebrity Traitors, where her charm, intelligence, and sharp humour made her a standout presence and reaffirmed her enduring popularity with audiences of all generations. Today, she serves on the board of CT20 Projects CIC, supporting creative well-being and artistic development. Throughout her career, Celia has consistently championed the visibility of older women in media, becoming an influential advocate for authenticity, diversity, and creative longevity in the performing arts.

Publications and Media

Celia is also a successful author and media personality. She has written several popular novels, including ‘Not Quite Nice’, ‘Nice Work (If You Can Get It)’, ‘Sail Away’, ‘A Nice Cup of Tea’, and most recently, ‘Orphans of the Storm’, all praised for their humour and insight into British life. Her memoir, ‘The Happy Hoofer’, offers a candid look at her career and personal journey. Celia has also contributed to various radio and television programmes, including Desert Island Discs and numerous talk shows, where her wit, storytelling, and honesty have made her a beloved guest and commentator.

Why Book Celia?

Booking Celia brings an engaging blend of experience, insight, and charm to any event. With a career spanning stage, film, and television, she offers audiences a unique perspective on creativity, resilience, and reinvention within the entertainment industry. Her candid reflections on navigating fame, ageing gracefully in the arts, and embracing new challenges make her a compelling and relatable speaker. Celia’s natural warmth and humour ensure that her talks are both inspiring and entertaining, resonating with diverse audiences. Through her public speaking and media appearances, she demonstrates a captivating ability to connect with people through authenticity and storytelling. Whether discussing her decades-long acting journey, her evolution into a novelist, or the importance of self-belief and perseverance, Celia leaves listeners inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the joy and creativity that can be found at any stage of life.

To book Celia to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.