Attack: Miriam Margolyes blasted the English class system after become an Australian citizen One of Britain’s most respected and enduring actresses launched a stinging attack on the English class system... and added insult to injury by becoming an Australian citizen. BAFTA-winning star Miriam Margolyes criticised her native land for its lack of energy and optimism after a citizenship ceremony presided over by Australian prime minister Julia Gillard. She said: 'I don’t like class distinction and there is far too much of that in England. 'There’s an energy here - an optimism, a vitality. I think England doesn’t have that any more. There’s an irony and not accepting bull**** and I love that, that straight-talking stuff.'
@highlight
Miss Margolyes criticised UK after citizenship ceremony
@highlight
She said her native land 'lacks energy and optimism'
Miss Margolyes, who was awarded an OBE for services to drama in 2001, will also keep her @placeholder citizenship.