Celia Imrie on Traitors, Star Wars and Acting Lessons 2026

Celia Imrie recently opened up about her time on Celebrity Traitors, her memories of Star Wars, and the acting lessons she learned from Michael Caine. In a candid interview, the beloved British actress shared behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on her decades-long career.

Celia Imrie on Celebrity Traitors: A Game of Herd Mentality

Imrie appeared on the first season of Celebrity Traitors and admitted she had no idea what she was signing up for. "I didn’t quite know what I was letting myself in for, but I had a great time," she said. She observed a strong herd mentality at the round table, where contestants tended to follow each other's lead. Imrie, however, chose to go in a different direction—a decision that ultimately led to her accusing Alan Carr of being a Traitor and getting banished the next day.

Despite the fun, Imrie joked that she doesn’t want to see her fellow contestants again. "Frankly, I don’t want to see any of them ever again in the whole of my life," she laughed, though she quickly added that she liked them all and thought it was a marvellous company.

Star Wars Memories: George Lucas’s Advice on Lipstick

Imrie also recalled her experience working on Star Wars, where she played a small role. She remembered that George Lucas told her off for wearing lipstick, as he wanted a more natural look for the alien characters. "He said, ‘No lipstick, Celia,’" she recalled. It’s a humorous anecdote that highlights the attention to detail in Lucas’s productions.

Acting Lessons from Michael Caine

In 1987, Imrie participated in a BBC acting class taught by Michael Caine, which has since become a hit on YouTube. She described Caine as a generous and informed tutor. "Maria Aitken asked me if I’d like to take part," she said. "Some of my friends said, ‘Oh God, you’re not doing that, are you?’ But I learned so much." One key technique she took away was treating the camera lens like a lover—a tip that has stayed with her throughout her career.

Key Takeaways from Celia Imrie’s Interview

• Celebrity Traitors was a challenging but fun experience, with Imrie noting the herd mentality at the round table.
• She accused Alan Carr of being a Traitor, leading to her own banishment the next day.
• George Lucas told her to remove her lipstick for her Star Wars role to maintain a natural alien look.
• Michael Caine’s acting class taught her to treat the camera lens like a lover.
• Imrie values the connections made on Celebrity Traitors, even if they haven’t kept in touch.

Celia Imrie’s Career Highlights

What’s Next for Celia Imrie?

Imrie continues to be a sought-after actress with a career spanning decades. Her recent appearance on Celebrity Traitors has introduced her to a new generation of fans. She remains active in film and television, and her insights into the craft are as valuable as ever.

FAQ

For a deeper look at Celia Imrie’s career and fan questions, see our Celia Imrie career highlights. Her journey from Star Wars to Traitors shows a versatile and enduring talent.

Imrie’s stories about treating the lens like a lover resonate with many actors. Similarly, a woman asking if she is wrong for treating her stepson like an adult sparked debate about respect and maturity. These narratives highlight how treating others—or a camera—with care can make all the difference.

In another trending story, a boyfriend refusing to finance his girlfriend faced backlash for treating her like a child. Such dynamics are far from the collaborative spirit Imrie describes on set.

Meanwhile, a story about foster parents treating their daughter like a piggybank ended in consequences, reminding us of the importance of genuine care.

And in a lighter vein, a sister got mad at her brother for getting her daughter a pup cup, saying he was treating her like a dog—proving that even small gestures can be misinterpreted.

Imrie’s ability to navigate such varied roles, from Star Wars to Traitors, is a testament to her skill. For more on her career, explore our Celia Imrie career highlights.