Miriam Margolyes Sparks Viewer Complaints After Onion-Eating Moment and Candid Bathroom Chat on This Morning

London — Veteran actress Miriam Margolyes caused a stir among This Morning viewers on Thursday after a series of unexpected on-air moments that left many questioning whether the ITV daytime programme had ventured too far into pre-lunchtime territory.

Margolyes, 84, appeared on the sofa with presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley to discuss her latest memoir, The Little Book of Miriam. Known for her uninhibited humour and habit of speaking freely, the actor delivered exactly the kind of unpredictable interview she is famous for. But even by her standards, the segment prompted an immediate reaction from the audience.

Shortly into the interview, Margolyes surprised the presenters by pulling out a raw onion from her handbag and proceeding to eat it live on air. The move, described by Shephard as “a first for the sofa,” drew laughter from the studio but confusion and discomfort from some viewers watching at home.

“She’s sitting there eating an onion like it’s an apple,” one viewer wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Others questioned whether the moment was staged or spontaneous, while several commented that they “had to switch channels” as they prepared lunch. “Do we really need to see this before midday?” one post read, echoing a sentiment shared across social media.

Presenters Shephard and Deeley attempted to maintain composure as Margolyes continued chewing through the onion while describing how she enjoys eating them raw. “I’ve always liked them,” she said unapologetically. “They’re good for you.”

The unusual snack choice might have been the most eye-catching moment, but it was not the only element of the interview that left viewers uneasy. As the conversation shifted to themes explored in her book, Margolyes began discussing her personal health and digestive system, offering a detailed reflection on her bathroom habits.

Deeley, attempting to steer the conversation gently back to the memoir, light-heartedly remarked, “We’re not even at lunchtime yet, Miriam,” prompting laughter from the crew. Margolyes, clearly amused, continued her candid explanation until Shephard intervened with playful diplomacy, saying, “Let’s save some of that for the book, shall we?”

Audience reaction at home was swift. Dozens of posts appeared within minutes, ranging from bemused affection for the actor’s unpredictability to outright discomfort with the direction of the interview. “Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure, but please, not the toilet talk while I’m making sandwiches,” one user commented. Another wrote, “She’s hilarious, but someone at This Morning needs to have the mute button ready.”

Despite the complaints, many viewers defended Margolyes, noting that her unfiltered personality is precisely what makes her such a popular guest. “This is exactly why she’s invited,” one supporter wrote. “She says what she thinks and it’s refreshing.”

ITV did not issue a statement about the segment, though insiders familiar with This Morning’s booking process noted that producers invite Margolyes fully aware of her reputation for unpredictability. “She’s never scripted and she never will be,” one production source said. “That’s part of her charm.”

Margolyes has long been admired for her candour and eccentricity. Over the years, she has made headlines during multiple live television interviews, often due to colourful language or candid personal disclosures. Her memoir, which she was promoting on the programme, embraces the same spirit: a collection of reflections, anecdotes, and thoughts delivered with her trademark directness.

While the live segment may not have gone exactly as the presenters anticipated, both Shephard and Deeley managed to guide the discussion back to Margolyes’s book, touching on her decades-long acting career, her life off screen, and her distinctive approach to storytelling. The actor, for her part, seemed delighted by the reaction she generated.

“I just say what I say,” she told the presenters with a shrug, “and if it makes people laugh or cringe, that’s their business.”

Margolyes’s appearance adds another memorable entry to This Morning’s long list of unexpected live television moments, a tradition stretching back decades. While some viewers voiced complaints about the timing and nature of the content, others argued that her presence brought humour and unpredictability to daytime TV.

“As outrageous as she is,” one viewer posted, “she’s never boring.”

With The Little Book of Miriam continuing to draw attention and Margolyes showing no signs of toning down her exuberant personality, it is likely the actor will remain a fixture of daytime television — raw onions, candid confessions and all.