Miranda Hart has disclosed that appearing on The Celebrity Traitors will put significant strain on her body as she continues to live with the chronic condition ME.
The 53-year-old comedian, beloved for her self-titled BBC sitcom, is among 21 famous faces competing in the new series, which launches on October 1.
“I’m still living with elements of ME, and that brings fatigue and pain to manage, but I have come to a point where I feel well enough to step out, and that’s also partly why I’m doing this,” Ms Hart said in a BBC interview.
She admitted the programme could take a toll on her body.
Miranda Hart has opened up about her health ahead of appearing on The Celebrity Traitors
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GETTY“I think it will be challenging on my body, so it’ll be interesting, and it’ll take some courage as this is a big next step,” she added.
“My decision-making in life generally, and certainly work, is follow the joy.”
The comedian has been largely absent from television screens while dealing with prolonged health difficulties.
However, when the opportunity to join the BBC show arose, she rose to the occasion.
The comedian said she wanted to ‘jump about like a schoolgirl’ after being offered the show
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BBC
“I haven’t done much TV work for a long time, having only recently come out of long-term ill health issues, and when I was offered this, my whole body sort of relaxed; I smiled, and I just wanted to jump about like a schoolgirl with joy,” she said.
Her motivation for signing up was rooted in a simple desire to have fun and play games, with the pleasure of being back on screen hopefully outweighing the difficulties.
“The joy of mucking about on television again will hopefully outweigh some of the challenges,” Ms Hart said.
The TV star has previously revealed that she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, a condition that can be effectively treated when identified early.
Claudia Winkleman will return to host the new series of The Celebrity Traitors
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BBCHowever, she spent a considerable period unaware of what was behind her symptoms, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
The condition causes severe exhaustion alongside other symptoms such as insomnia and brain fog.
Ms Hart spoke candidly about how others cannot see what she endures day to day.
“When you live with a chronic illness, it’s invisible, so people don’t know that you’re sitting there in pain,” she said.
She continued: “Hopefully they can carry me up a hill or whatever we’re going to have to do!”
The celebrity cast features a strong comedic contingent, with James Acaster, Joe Lycett and Joanne McNally all set to take part alongside Ms Hart.
Mr Acaster suggested the group of comics could find themselves under early scrutiny.
“I think we’re going to be the first ones under the magnifying glass being looked at,” he said.
James Acaster is among the famous faces joining Miranda Hart on the BBC series
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PARomesh Ranganathan, another contestant, admitted that friendship would count for little once the game begins, particularly when it comes to close mate Rob Beckett.
“He’s just as easily going to be on my side as he is going to twist the knife in my back given the opportunity,” Mr Ranganathan said.
The wider lineup boasts Bella Ramsey, Michael Sheen, Richard E Grant, Maya Jama and James Blunt, with Claudia Winkleman returning as host.