The 84-year-old actor appeared on the morning news show on Saturday, September 27, in a pre-recorded segment opposite presenter Charlie Stayt.
Discussing her career and her new book, The Little Book of Miriam, the actor wanted to address rumours regarding her health.
‘It makes me remember when I was little’
Actor Miriam Margolyes told #BBCBreakfast about why she sings just one song in her stage show https://t.co/5NctyzS6vO pic.twitter.com/YyYa3Lmecp
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 27, 2025
Miriam Margolyes addresses health concerns
Previously, Miriam had shared that she was preparing to move to Tuscany with her partner, leading fans to fear the actor was unwell.
Discussing her health, Charlie said: “There has been quite a lot of press speculation because you’ve said you’re leaving the UK to go and spend more time elsewhere, Tuscany I think it is.
“And I think people read into that that maybe you’re not well.”
Explaining the rumours, a tearful Miriam said: “Two years ago, I had a TAVI [Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation] operation or a procedure.
“I had a cow’s aortic valve. I was offered a pig’s, and I said, ‘No, I’m Jewish. I’d better have a cow just to keep it level.
‘I’ve forgiven Arnold for being such a naughty person’
Miriam Margolyes told ‘Charles’ on #BBCBreakfast<�… about an incident involving Arnold Schwarzenegger
https://t.co/5NctyzS6vO pic.twitter.com/YM01Oup4su— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 27, 2025
“They used that as if I were dying now. I’m no more dying than you’re dying.
“Because we’re all dying eventually, but I don’t know when, and I hope it’s a long time away.”
The actor went on to say she was “perfectly fine”, sharing: “I’m 84, I’ve got various ailments, a weak bladder, which is because I didn’t do pelvic floor exercises.
“But I am fine. I am not mental. I am a working actress and an extremely successful writer.”
Later in the interview, the actor reflected on memories with her mother that she discusses in her book and in her tour, Miriam Margolyes: From A to Z.
Recommended Reading
Sharing how they would often be caught singing musical numbers together: “I do not [sing]. I look as if I can sing. I do sing in my show, only one song which is Daisy, Daisy.
“My mother, whom I adored, used to sing musical songs with me. She played the piano and she wanted to be an actress.”
She added:: “When she had a stroke, which was after I told her I was gay, and I think it really crushed her, the only words that she could speak were, ‘I can’t afford a carriage,’ and that makes me think of her when I sing it.”
