Miriam Margolyes Sparks Backlash Over 'Disgusting' Remarks About Andi Peters' Race

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Miriam Margolyes Sparks Backlash Over 'Disgusting' Remarks About Andi Peters' Race

04.09.2026 4 September 2026
1985
2 min.
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Miriam Margolyes Sparks Backlash Over 'Disgusting' Remarks About Andi Peters' Race

Miriam Margolyes sparks backlash after questioning Andi Peters about race on This Morning

Miriam Margolyes has become the focus of fresh criticism after a tense conversation with Andi Peters on ITV’s This Morning.

The 83-year-old actor was appearing on Thursday’s programme with Peters and Christine Lampard to discuss her book, Miriam’s Full English: A Grand Tour of All Our Best Bits. The interview took an unexpected turn when Margolyes began asking Peters about his ancestry and appearance.

After initially discussing his accent, she appeared to assume that Peters had parents of different races. He corrected her and confirmed that both his mother and father are Black.

Margolyes then referred to Peters’ lighter complexion, saying: “I think you’re high yella. That’s what they call it in America. When someone isn’t deeply Black.”

Peters appeared caught off guard but kept the exchange light, using humour and mentioning that producers were becoming nervous.

The moment quickly drew attention from viewers online. Many described Margolyes’ remarks as inappropriate and praised Peters for handling the situation calmly. Her choice of terminology was also criticised because of its associations with colourism and discrimination based on skin tone.

The Standard has contacted Margolyes’ representative for comment.

This is not the first time Margolyes has faced scrutiny over similar remarks. In 2024, while appearing on Australian show The Project, she asked presenter Waleed Aly about his complexion. Aly responded by explaining his Egyptian heritage.

Margolyes has built a decades-long acting career that includes Blackadder, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, along with Harry Potter, Little Dorrit and Babe. Her candid television appearances, however, have frequently attracted as much attention as her screen work.

She also caused controversy in 2024 after describing singer Lily Allen as unfriendly following their appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

The latest This Morning episode has now renewed debate around Margolyes’ unfiltered style and the limits of provocative live television.

ALLEN Lily

English singer-songwriter and actress
#18
CURTIS Richard

British screenwriter
#50
MARGOLYES Miriam

British and Australian actress
#47
LAMPARD Christine

Northern Irish television and radio presenter
#144
ALY Waleed

Australian television presenter
#771
ATKINSON Rowan

English actor
#775
ITV

#2

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Section: culture

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