Dame Joanna Lumley has candidly discussed the challenges she faced after making a significant dietary change – one she’s maintained ever since. The 79-year-old star, celebrated for her performances in Absolutely Fabulous and Amandaland, revealed that transitioning to vegetarianism proved ‘awful’ initially.
Speaking on the Waitrose-sponsored Dish podcast with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, she recently reflected on her early experiences. Earlier in 2025, she said: “It was awful to begin with, going out to restaurants and dinner parties, because people didn’t know what to do.
“They’d panic and try to make you eight eggs and sort of lasagnes which just turned into huge slabs of concrete with something horrifying in between. There was no way of saying, can I just eat the vegetables?”
A vegetarian since the late 1970s, the star is a passionate campaigner for sustainable living and animal welfare. Fortunately, she notes, increasing acceptance of vegetarianism has simplified matters considerably for herself and fellow plant-based eaters, according to the Mirror.
Nevertheless, Joanna remains deeply appreciative whenever someone caters to her dietary requirements. She added: “I like raw things very much, like salads and stuff. I’m so touched when anybody’s done anything vegetarian for me.”
Around 6.1 million Brits have embraced vegetarianism as of 2025, research by Finder claims. This figure includes 5.2% who were already following a meat-free diet (roughly 2.8 million individuals) alongside 6.3% planning to adopt vegetarian habits this year – adding another 3.4 million to the list.
Joanna has gained recognition for her plant-based dietary approach, generally opting for lighter meals and modest portions instead of substantial servings. Back in 2021, she attributed her well-being to her meat-free choices, boasting she’s ‘never ill’ – though she confessed that making the leap to full veganism would prove tough.
She claimed at the time: “I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 40 years and I’m never ill. The diet I love best is: eat stuff, mostly vegetables, not too much. And exercise? I have a tall thin house and I run up and down the stairs a lot!”
Speaking on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, she elaborated: “I suddenly thought I was not going to do this anymore. I am not going to eat meat or fish. No more, finished, gone. But I am not a vegan. That is the next step, but I love cheese.”
Amandaland, a spin-off of the celebrated sitcom Motherland, was made for the BBC. Its holiday episode is set to air on BBC One tonight at 9:15pm (December 25), and the second series is expected to premiere in 2026.
What are the health perks of becoming a vegetarian?
Research indicates that a primarily plant-based diet may be healthier and is associated with fewer obesity cases. It might also lead to more substantial weight loss for individuals aiming to shed a few pounds, depending on their initial weight.
Vegetarian meals are typically high in fibre, which is good for digestive health and supports a strong immune system. Moreover, the variety of fruits and vegetables included in a vegetarian diet are packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
However, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet to ensure you receive all the necessary nutrients and keep your immune system strong.
Consult with your doctor before making any significant dietary changes to determine if they are suitable for you. Those who suffer from specific medical conditions might find restrictive diets difficult to follow long-term without missing out on key nutrients.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
