Dame Joanna Lumley has openly shared her struggles following a major shift in her diet, one she has adhered to for decades. The 79-year-old actress, known for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and Amandaland, admitted that the start of her journey into vegetarianism was quite challenging.

In a recent conversation on the Dish podcast, which is sponsored by Waitrose, Lumley spoke with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett about her initial experiences. Reflecting on the early days in 2025, she remarked, “It was dreadful at the start, particularly when dining out or attending dinner parties, as hosts were often unsure how to cater to me.”

She continued, “People would get flustered and end up serving me dishes like an excessive amount of eggs or lasagnes that resembled massive blocks of something unappetizing. It was tough to simply request to have just the vegetables.”

Having embraced vegetarianism since the late 1970s, Lumley is a fervent advocate for sustainable living and animal rights. Thankfully, she notes that society’s growing acceptance of vegetarianism has made dining out far easier for her and others who abstain from meat, as reported by the Mirror.

Despite these improvements, Joanna deeply values when her dietary preferences are thoughtfully accommodated. She added, “I really enjoy raw foods like salads. It’s incredibly touching when someone makes the effort to prepare something vegetarian for me.”

According to research by Finder, approximately 6.1 million people in the UK have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle as of 2025. This includes 5.2% of the population who were already avoiding meat (about 2.8 million people), with an additional 6.3% planning to make the shift this year, contributing another 3.4 million to the vegetarian community.

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.