Veteran actor Celia Imrie shocked co stars by emerging as a physical frontrunner in the first group mission, hauling stone tablets faster than Olympian Tom Daley. The Sun’s behind the scenes report on the Trojan horse challenge credits Imrie with directing teammates like a film set assistant director, earning unprompted applause from the production crew.
Imrie, 27, prepared with personal trainer sessions focused on functional strength, revealing to The Standard she viewed the show as an audition for later action roles. Her unexpected dominance disrupted age based assumptions and reframed her as a potential Traitor threat.
Strategically, Imrie embraced mischief. Cameras captured her gifting mint tea to Stephen Fry moments before the first banishment, later telling the confessional that “hospitality hides suspicion”. Observers note the gesture mirrored tactics used by eventual winner Harry in the civilian series two.
Social channels loved it. Memes of “Action Granny” flooded TikTok, and bookmaker Coral cut her odds from 22 to one down to 8 within a day. Industry pundits believe relatability plus surprise athleticism creates a compelling finalist arc.
Imrie says her secret is decades of ensemble work where timing and listening matter more than brute force. In a castle where every pause can betray intent, those stage instincts may carry her to an encore at the final vote.
