Miriam Margolyes says she'll soon have to use a wheelchair as she opens up on health issues
Miriam Margolyes has expressed her regret about not being 'more disciplined' as she predicts she'll need to use a wheelchair in the future.
The 82-year-old actor has revealed that her health issues have left her unable to walk.
Margolyes, who is beloved for her outspoken personality, has been suffering from spinal stenosis. This painful condition affects the lower back and hinders mobility.
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Talking to Elizabeth Day on the How To Fail podcast, Margolyes said: "The one thing I have not conquered and should have conquered is my weight.
"I am a blubber mass. I am fat. And to be fat and 82 is truly pathetic."
She expressed regret for some of her lifestyle choices, saying: "It's such a defeat. A cream bun, a chocolate, or a helping of chopped liver is more important than your health and aesthetic presentation?
"No, it isn't more important; it's just greed, lack of discipline, all the things I'm embarrassed by in myself.
"It is a major failure, and because of that, I've got spinal stenosis. I can't walk. I'm going to be in a wheelchair before I'm much older.
"I've limited my life because of my longing for fudge or chopped liver, cheesecake. All these absurdities. I shouldn't have been so greedy; I should have been stronger.
"I f*** everything up by greed, and I think it's shameful."
Drawing a contrast between herself and Queen Camilla, the Harry Potter star said: "I mean, look at Camilla, our Queen; she's a good-looking woman; she's got her body in trim.
"I like her as a person... She's splendid and she's taken care of herself. It wasn't joy; it was laziness; it was greed – and I regret it."
Despite her struggles, Margolyes has ultimately accepted herself.
She said: "I would like to be better looking; I would like to have a flatter tummy, and a stronger back and longer legs. But f**k it, here I am."
Earlier this year, the actor graced the cover of British Vogue for their Pride issue.
She talked about her pride in being gay, adding that she 'never had any shame about being gay or anything really'.
"I actually find lesbians a bit on the boring side, because they're a bit heavy-handed about it all," Margolyes said when asked about Pride marches.
"I think gay people are very lucky because we are not conventional; we are a group slightly apart. It gives us an edge. We're good artists, we're good musicians.
"And I like being gay. I wouldn't want to be straight for anything."
Ben Thompson