Inside Miriam Margoyles' life off-screen from longterm relationship to life in Australia

Actress Miriam Margoyles has been in the spotlight for many decades, having rose to international fame in the Harry Potter films. Here we take a look into her life off-screen...

Miriam Margolyes has been in the spotlight since the 1960s and is one of the world's best-known actresses. Famed for her portrayal of Professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter film series, Miriam has enjoyed a hugely successful career as an actress across the globe.

The 83-year-old star, who is set to appear on Celebrity Gogglebox with Lesley Joseph, is also known for her role as Mrs Mingott in The Age of Innocence, with the role having bagged her a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress. Miriam's starred in dozens of films over the years, including James and the Giant Peach, Mulan, Happy Feet, Flushed Away, and Early Man.

The star is also known for appearing in Doctor Who, as well as her role of Prudence Stanley in the drama series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. She also starred in Call the Midwife as Sister Mildred from 2018 until 2021.

Miriam was born in Oxford in May 1941. She studied at Oxford High School and Newnham College in Cambridge. While at college, she began acting and then appeared in productions organised by Cambridge Footlights.

During this time, Miriam also represented her college in the first series of University Challenge. She went on to begin a career as a voice artist before landing her first acting roles and appearing in theatre productions.

Miriam, who was appointed an OBE in 2002 for Services to Drama, spent several long periods living in Australia before becoming an Australian citizen in 2013, while retaining her British citizenship. She has continued to divide her time across several locations, including London and Italy.

Miriam is in a longterm relationship with Heather Sutherland, who is an Australian retired professor of Indonesian studies. The couple have been together since 1968, but tend to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. Miriam and Heather do not live together, but Miriam revealed in 2023 that she now wanted to live with her partner as they were both getting old and felt they didn't have much time left.

Miriam is now set to star on Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox for Stand Up to Cancer, alongside actress and broadcaster Lesley Joseph. The famous pair will join one another on the sofa to watch the latest TV shows in the upcoming series.

Speaking about appearing on Gogglebox, Miriam said: “When they asked me to do Gogglebox for Stand Up to Cancer, I thought, ‘Well, if I can watch television AND raise money for a wonderful cause, count me in!’ What could be better than that – and doing it with my brilliant old friend of nearly 40 years - Lesley Joseph? She’s wise and funny and knows everyone; a perfect partner in crime. Also, Stand Up to Cancer does vital work, and if we two old birds can help towards that - just show me the sofa, I’m all for it.”

Celebrity Gogglebox for Stand up to Cancer will air on 25 October at 9pm on Channel 4.