Miriam Margolyes has slammed claims she is “at death’s door” in a new video offering an update on her health. The Harry Potter actress, 84, previously confessed she “hasn’t got long to live”, telling The Times: “When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before – I’m loath to leave behind performing. It’s such a joy. I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough."

Now in a new video, Miriam has cleared up the “rumours” about her, telling fans: “Hello everyone, it’s Miriam Margolyes here. I wanted to share a couple of things with you. First of all, you might have seen on the internet and in a few papers something a few k*******s wrote, that I was at death’s door. B******s! I’m very much alive and raring to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.”

She continued: “I’m doing my show, Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits. Six o’clock every night. Oh my goodness you’ll have a good time. And then after a little bit of Dickens, there’s a lot of Miriam Margolyes. I’ll tell you anything you like.

“Ask any questions from the audience; my heart, my life and my legs are open to all of you,” she quipped.

“It’s a promise! I had such a good time last year, sold every seat. So I hope I can count on you coming this year and making it a night to remember. All my best, ta-rah!”

Fans rushed to support her in the comments section, with one gushing: “You are too funny Miriam. Always been a fun treat when you are on the telly. Hugs lovely, I’m too far away or I’d come.”

Somebody else said: “She tickles me. I am glad she is well!” While a third social media user wrote: “You made my day!”

Miriam has struggled with various health issues over the years, including spinal stenosis, arthritis and rheumatism. In 2023 she underwent aortic valve replacement surgery, in which her valve was replaced by one from a cow to save her from having open heart surgery.