Celia Imrie’s Greatest Film Roles: From Miss Babs to Thursday Murder Club

There’s something wonderfully British about Celia Imrie’s ability to steal every scene she’s in, whether she’s got a tarantula on her head or she’s plotting murder in a retirement village. As our beloved national treasure turns 73, and with her hotly anticipated role in The Thursday Murder Club just around the corner, it’s high time we raised a glass to the woman who’s made us howl with laughter for decades.

The Role That Had Her Eating Worms (And Loving It)

Let’s kick off with Mrs Quickly in Nanny McPhee, shall we? While Emma Thompson’s magical nanny might have been the headliner, it was Imrie who had us properly creasing up. Picture this: our Celia, sporting a live tarantula as a fascinator and chomping on worms like they’re Cadbury’s Fingers. Absolutely barking mad? Yes. Brilliant? Also yes.

Despite the film being what we’d politely call “a bit of a dog’s dinner” (or what my nan would less politely call “a right mess”), Imrie turned Mrs Quickly into pure gold. Here’s a woman pursuing Colin Firth’s character like it’s an Olympic sport, all while facing a 30-day marriage deadline that would make Love Island contestants break out in a cold sweat.

More Than Just Miss Babs: Breaking the Mould

If you think Celia Imrie is just the woman who made “I can do that!” a national catchphrase, you’re in for a treat. While her turn as Miss Babs in Acorn Antiques might have cemented her place in British comedy history, it’s her film career that’s shown us what she’s really made of.

Remember when she popped up in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace? Bet you didn’t see that coming. Or how about her brilliant work in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, proving that getting older doesn’t mean becoming invisible in Hollywood? Talk about range!

The Thursday Murder Club: A New Chapter

Now, as she steps into The Thursday Murder Club, Imrie’s showing no signs of slowing down. Based on Richard Osman’s bestseller (you know, the tall bloke from Pointless), this role feels like it was written with her in mind. A pensioner solving murders? It’s basically Midsomer Murders meets The Golden Girls, and I am absolutely here for it.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Celia’s Career

What is Celia Imrie’s most famous role?

While many know her as Miss Babs from Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques, her film roles in Calendar Girls, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Nanny McPhee have made her a big-screen favourite.

What is The Thursday Murder Club about?

It’s an adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel about a group of retirement village residents who meet weekly to solve cold cases. Imrie plays one of the amateur sleuths in what’s set to be 2025’s must-watch British film.

Why is Mrs Quickly one of her favourite roles?

Despite the challenging scenes (including that infamous tarantula moment), Imrie has cited the role as a favourite because it allowed her to go properly over-the-top with the character. Plus, working with Colin Firth probably didn’t hurt!

The Bottom Line

At 73, Celia Imrie isn’t just surviving in an industry that often overlooks older actresses she’s absolutely smashing it. From comedy to drama, from worm-eating to murder-solving, she’s proof that talent knows no age limit. Here’s to many more years of scene-stealing, whether she’s wearing a tarantula or not!

What’s your favourite Celia Imrie moment? Drop a comment below and let’s celebrate this national treasure together!