Celia Imrie’s infamous Celebrity Traitors moment became the surprise talking point of Sunday’s TV Baftas, with the incident being mentioned by host Greg Davies, comedian Alan Carr and even a bemused Seth Rogen.

The mega-hit BBC show was up for three awards at the annual bash, but as Inbetweeners star Davies lightheartedly noted, Imrie’s hilarious moment, when she broke wind during one of the challenges, was not up for an award.

“I was a little surprised there’s one thing that wasn’t nominated for TV moment of the year,” the comic joked. “And Celia, you can relax. I’m not talking about you. Relax. I mean, I say relax, but not too much obviously.” The cameras then cut to Imrie, who was cracking up in the crowd.

The moment Davies had wanted to see recognition for was Mark “The Beast” Labbett’s appearance on Celebs Go Dating.

“The man tried to drink a candle, you understand?” Davies said. “Why aren’t we celebrating that?”

Imrie later appeared on stage to present an award alongside her Traitors co-star Nick Mohammed, making her own joke about flatulence.

“Just before The Celebrity Traitors was aired, I received a present in the shape of a brown paper parcel,” she said. “Inside was a lovely red satin box tied up with a velvet ribbon. It was the shape of a can and it had a turquoise label and black writing.

“I didn’t understand the relevance, then I looked again and it was a tin of baked beans.”

Imrie’s fart also got a mention later in the ceremony, as Seth Rogen won the international prize for his satirical comedy The Studio.

Addressing the star, the baffled US actor said: “I assume this woman in the green dress is a very skilled and talented woman… all I know is that she farted on a reality show.”

“I’m interested in your other work now,” Rogen added, as the audience howled with laughter. “What else have you done?”

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Celebrity Traitors winner Carr also spoke about what is fast becoming the most famous fart on TV, as he accepted his award for Most Memorable Moment, aka winning the reality show.

Imrie managed to outlast most of her fellow Traitors contestants in the inaugural celebrity series, before being brutally murdered by the two remaining Traitors – Cat Burns and Carr – in the penultimate episode.

It was in the third episode that Imrie really cemented her national treasure status, though, by stealing the show when she farted during the tense build-up to one of the challenges.

“What just happened?” presenter Winkleman said. “I just farted, Claudia. It’s nerves, but I always own up,” Imrie replied, sparking belly laughs from her fellow players. “I always own up too,” added a delighted Winkleman.

The Celebrity Traitors won two accolades at Sunday’s ceremony: best reality and most memorable TV moment for Carr’s shock win.

The comedy icon saw his Apple TV series The Studio win a Bafta award

The Bafta TV Awards viewers were left unimpressed over Seth Rogen’s comments about Celia Imrie during the ceremony.

Hollywood star Seth attended this year’s ceremony, which was held at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The 44-year-old is best known for his work in comedies such as Superbad, The Interview and This Is The End.

Seth was attending the Baftas, which were hosted by Greg Davies, as his Apple TV series The Studio was nominated for Best International series. The series follows the new head of a Hollywood studio as he navigated the changing work climate around him.

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Packed with A-list cameos, the series was praised for not shying away from taking aim at the film industry. It went up against Jeremy Allen White’s The Bear, Keri Russell’s The Diplomat, Rhea Seehorn’s Pluribus and Adam Scott’s Severance.

Upon hearing that The Studio won, Seth said in his acceptance speech that he ‘really didn’t expect this to happen at all’. He said: “When you make a comedy and you’re up against dramas especially, it feels really good to beat them.

“I have to say. It doesn’t happen that often. It’s a rarefied thing. This award show, so cool. Thank you for having us here.”

From here, Seth proceeded to joke about actress Celia Imrie, after a video of her time on hit BBC reality show Celebrity Traitors was aired during the ceremony. The video in question featured the moment where she accidentally farted during a challenge.

“I assume this woman in the green dress is a very skilled and talented woman. All I know is that she farted on a reality show. I’m interested in your other work now, obviously – what else have you done,” Seth.

Celia, 73, is one of the UK’s most recognisable actresses, having appeared in the Bridget Jones film series, Calendar Girls, St Trinian’s, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, A Cure for Wellness, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club.

Those watching the Baftas at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to have expressed why they were shocked to find out that Seth didn’t know an actress of Celia’s stature.

@BurySue said: “I beg your pardon Mister, dissing Celia Imrie. How very dare you! #baftas.” @HollyMunn93 added: “Seth Rogan picking on Celia Imrie as is he’s all that #BAFTAs.”

@swanseasucks wrote: “Seth Rogan doesn’t know who Celia Imrie is??? Seriously?? #baftas.” @sied_gymraeg posted: “Poor Celia Imrie. Such an impressive canon of work, but most remembered for a fart joke on The Traitors these days. #BAFTAs.”

@Burcu161759 commented: “I beg your pardon Mister, dissing Celia Imrie. How very dare you! #baftas.” @kaydekks stated: “Dying that Seth Rogan has no idea who Celia Imre is, just ‘the lady in the green dress’.”

It had been business as normal for the Police Scotland officers before the evening took a chilling turn.

Cops on a call-out to a disturbance in Rutherglen were left spooked to the core when they witnessed paranormal activity taking place inside the property they were paged to.

It had been a normal shift for the Police Scotland officers before the evening took a chilling turn on August 8, 2016. After being called to the aid of a mother and son, they witnessed clothes flying from across a room and lights flickering on and off.

And when the lights went back on, the cops reported seeing lampshades hanging upside down and oven doors opening and closing. Even a chihuahua dog which had been playing in the garden at the time was then discovered sitting on top of a seven-foot hedge.

The family who lived at the property had called the police in a panic. They endured two days of the bizarre occurrences before moving out of the property in South Lanarkshire.

At the time, the Daily Record told how the hair-raising ordeal had been discussed at high levels within the police force, with senior officers perplexed over how to handle the incidents.

A source told the Record at the time: “These were incidents that were witnessed by our own officers. Incidents that are not easily explained. One problem we’ve got is where we go from here as no crime has been established, so what else can we do but deal with any reports of disturbances.

“But officers with more than 20 years’ service are saying they’ve never seen anything like this. It really is something that down-to-earth police officers are having trouble getting their heads round. How do you handle what, despite us liking to use the word, has been described as a poltergeist.”

The family at the centre of the drama are devoutly Catholic and police did seek assistance from the church. A priest was sent to the property on Stonelaw Road and performed what has been described as a ‘blessing’ for the house.

The occupant of the home, a woman, alongside her teenager, called in cops after they began experiencing the disturbing incidents. They were described as being extremely distressed as they had been experiencing violent and unexplained circumstances.

In absolute desperation, they contacted police.

The source continued: “The officers attended expecting it to be a mental health issue but they witnessed the lights going off, clothes flying across the room and the dog sitting on top of the hedge. The officers called their superiors who also attended thinking the cops were perhaps being a bit silly but it’s being taken very seriously.

“The fact it was witnessed by our officers has lent itself to a very different but active inquiry.”

No-one was harmed, though the family were given safety advice by baffled officers and chose to leave the house. It is understood they moved in with relatives.

The source said: “The main concern is with the family’s welfare and well-being but with no crime committed and no culprit we are at a loss how to proceed with it. Inquiries are ongoing but it’s difficult to know where to go with it.”

It’s understood officers went on to look into the family’s background before working with doctors and social services to provide support. It’s also thought they investigated the history of the property,to see if there been any reports of similar occurrences from previous residents.

Our source said all options were being considered by way of explaining the goings-on: “Is it some form of hoax, or is it real or not real? These are the questions being asked by officers but without coming to any conclusion.

A statement from Police Scotland read at the time: “On 8 and 9 August police attended a house in Rutherglen to reports of a disturbance. No evidence of criminality was found and advice and guidance was given to the family.”

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The BAFTA TV Awards brought the drama and the tears tonight, as Mary Berry and Martin Lewis were handed huge honours and Adolescence won big

The BAFTA TV Awards brought the tears tonight – as Mary Berry and Martin Lewis were handed huge honours.

It was a great night for Adolescence, who picked up a record four prizes, whilst Celebrity Traitors also won two accolades, including the public-voted P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award.

Mary Berry was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship whilst MoneySavingExpert Martin picked up the BAFTA Special Award. In emotional speeches, both paid tribute to those they had lost.

Stephen Graham won Leading Actor for his part in Adolescence. Stephen, who has been nominated before but only won this year, said: “I might take my time, I’ve been nominated eight times and this is the first time I’ve won… Nice one BAFTA, this is lovely.”

Mary Berry emotional

Dame Mary Berry was emotional as she accepted her Bafta fellowship at the annual television awards tonight. The 91-year-old TV cook and former Great British Bake Off judge was awarded for her exceptional contribution to television.

Dame Mary praised the BBC as her “home of many years”, after being presented with the prize by former Bake Off presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins during the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall.

The beloved TV chef, from Somerset, joked that Mel and Sue had “led me astray from day one”. At the end of her heartfelt speech, she praised those she’d worked with.

“I so admire producers, directors and creatives who I have worked with over the years. Essential qualities in life are kindness, patience and respect, which I have received all along the way. I’ve been doing this for over 50 years, and I’m still learning. So what’s next for me, at the age of 91? I have just started my own YouTube channel. We shall see,” she said.

She finished her speech by offering thanks to her three children, including her son who died in a car accident in 1989 at the age of 19. In a heartbreaking nod to her late son, she said: “William is in heaven, but I thank him.”

Martin Lewis’ loss

Martin Lewis has reflected on his childhood as a “broken, scared boy” who “barely left the house” as he picked up a Bafta special award for his work in the TV industry.

The Money Saving Expert gave an emotional speech after being presented with the prize by Richard Osman, where he reflected on the tragic death of his mum when he was just 11-years-old.

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Explaining he wrote the speech on Thursday, 42 years after his mother’s sudden death days before his 12th birthday, he said: “For six years, barring school, I barely left the house. Now I’m picking up a Bafta.

“For all those of you out there struggling with your own demons, know this: life can be transformed, it can get better. If you had told that broken, scared boy that I’d proudly be a campaigning journalist, his jaw would have dropped. So I dedicate this to consumer journalism, where I found my fire.”

Winner calls out BBC

The executive producer behind Gaza: Doctors Under Attack has asked the BBC during his acceptance speech if the broadcaster will exclude the documentary’s win from its coverage of the Bafta TV Awards.

The BBC had commissioned and then shelved the one-off documentary due to impartiality concerns. It was later aired by Channel 4.

Executive producer Ben De Pear used his speech to criticise the BBC. Thanking the journalists who made the film, he then asked: “Finally, just a question for the BBC: given you dropped our film, will you drop us from the Bafta screening later tonight?”

The BBC later showed that part of the speech during a speedy sequence of a string of awards being handed out.

In Memoriam missing star

BAFTA fans were left fuming tonight as Catherine O’Hara was missed from the In Memoriam segment.

When Seth Rogen and the team behind The Studio – which Catherine was in before her sad death – collected their Best International award, he paid tribute to the legendary actress: “She meant so much to all of us, I assume her work was as important to you all over here as it was to us so this is for Catherine.”

However, she was missed from the tributes. One fan wrote: “@BAFTA massive error – missing Catherine O’Hara,” as another penned: “Did I miss the tribute to Catherine O’Hara in that segment? #BAFTAs.” A third shared: “Catherine O’Hara not featured on the celebs who have passed away segment?”

A fourth shared: “Where was the legend Catherine O’Hara in the tributes? They always do this. Miss someone out. #BAFTA.”

Traitors drama

It was a great night for the Celebrity Traitors this evening, who picked up two prizes. The show won Best Reality Programme and Alan Carr also won the only public-voted award for Best TV Moment.

In a hilarious moment on stage, Alan celebrated the Reality win by hoisting the BAFTA award above his head before Paloma Faith – his real-life best friend who he ‘murdered’ first on the show – jokingly pretended to push him off stage.

In the winners’ room, host Claudia Winkleman explained social media is “so important” in bringing together the millions of fans of The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off version.

Asked about the importance of social media in the show’s success, she said: “I think it’s so important because, not just social media, but the people who watch – and they seemingly watch together as families – is my favourite thing of all. It feels like it’s a real communal moment. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who gets involved.”

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Colm Rooney had been employed as a Tesco delivery driver for four and a half years

A delivery van driver has been given a suspended sentence for careless driving, causing the death of an 83-year-old man in a supermarket car park.

Colm Rooney (54), who had been employed as a Tesco delivery driver for four and a half years, pleaded guilty to one count of driving a vehicle without due care and attention, thereby causing the death of Thomas Leeson, at R oselawn Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on December 7, 2024. It is a sentence that carries a maximum prison term of two years.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Rooney, of Stapolin Lawns, Baldoyle, Dublin, was driving the delivery van at 12km per hour when the accident occurred. Dashcam footage of the incident was played to the court, which showed Mr Leeson being hit by the van at chest height and falling backwards on to the concrete, striking his head.

Sergeant Colm Fox told Kate Egan BL, prosecuting, that Mr Leeson was conscious at the scene and was transferred to hospital where he passed away two weeks later from his injuries. Mr Leeson suffered from broken ribs, a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain.

A full, detailed collision report was carried out, which established the speed at which the van was travelling and that Rooney’s reaction time was slightly below average. He was breathalysed and drug tested at the scene, and the results were negative for all substances.

A victim impact statement, which was prepared by Mr Leeson’s daughter, Yvonne Kidd, was read to the court by the prosecuting counsel, which said: “Our dad was knocked down in our local supermarket. He went to collect a prescription and never came home.”

The statement outlined that Mr Leeson was a “devoted” father, grandfather and great-grandfather. They said his absence is missed every day, in the big and little moments, and that no sentence will ever bring him back.

The statement said that Mr Leeson had been a truck driver for over 40 years and would have been the first to recognise the pressure that delivery drivers are under.

It concluded: “Our dad deserved to live out his life, and we deserved more time with him.”

Passing sentence yesterday, Judge Elma Sheahan began by extending her sincere condolences to the Leeson family on their enormous loss. She noted the family’s dignity throughout the court process.

Judge Sheahan said the aggravating factors in this case were the seriousness of the offending and the impact that this loss has had on Mr Leeson’s family. She set a headline sentence of 12 months.

The judge said she must have regard to the significant mitigation before the court in the form of Rooney’s early guilty plea, his good character with no previous convictions and contributions to his community. She took into account the character references handed into the court and that Rooney has shown genuine remorse and co operated throughout.

Judge Sheahan said she must consider the law and the evidence before her. She also highlighted the words from Ms Kidd’s victim impact statement, which said that “no sentence will bring back our father.” She sentenced Rooney to nine months in prison, which she suspended in full for nine months, and disqualified him from driving for two years.

Sgt Fox agreed with Vincent Henegahan, SC, defending, that from the moment gardai arrived at the scene and up until today, his client has been fully co-operative. He also agreed that there was no “outrageous” driving carried out by Rooney.

The garda agreed with counsel that this was a case of a “momentary lapse in concentration”.

Mr Heneghan said his client would like to express his remorse to Mr Leeson’s family. “That expression doesn’t just come today; it comes from the very first day he met the gardai and all the way through this case. He is truly remorseful.”

Counsel said this was a crime of recklessness of the most significant kind in that it resulted in death, and also the most benign in how long it lasted, less than two seconds.

He said Rooney has worked all his life and had been employed as a driver by Tesco for four and a half years. He no longer works as a driver but is still employed by the supermarket, which he described as significant because it shows that his employers trust him.

Mr Heneghan described Rooney as a single man who lives a quiet life and has a big love for music. He said that a tragedy has happened, that his client takes full responsibility for this, and he asked the court to be as lenient as possible.

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The event continues to build momentum in its second year as the one-day show attracted visitors from across the region, offering a wide range of attractions celebrating both historic and contemporary vehicles.

Attendees were given access to paddock areas, providing an opportunity to view vehicles up close and engage with exhibitors.

A notable feature of the event was a meet-and-greet session with Dakar Rally competitor Robbie Wallace, who spoke with fans and shared insights from his experience in endurance motorsport.

The programme also featured a stunt performance by Paul Swift, a six-time Guinness World Record holder and former stunt driver for television and film productions including Top Gear and Fast & Furious.

Swift delivered a series of precision driving displays, including a two-wheel driving demonstration in a Ford Ranger Raptor. A limited number of visitors were also offered passenger rides, allowing them to experience the stunt driving first-hand.

Darlington boxer Hannah Robinson with partner Mark Eager (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Paul Swift with Raymond Bone, 12 (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

In addition to the motoring displays, the event included a variety of family-friendly activities.

A designated family zone, along with live music, entertainment, and food vendors, contributed to a festival-style atmosphere throughout the day.

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Among those in attendance was Hannah Robinson, the Commonwealth Silver and IBF European Super-Lightweight boxing champion from Darlington, adding a local sporting presence to the event.

Photographs from the day captured large crowds, a diverse range of vehicles, and the live stunt performances, reflecting the event’s broad appeal.

Organisers are expected to build on this year’s success as the show continues to establish itself as a key date in the regional motoring calendar.

The DJ and producer from Dundee said the degrading incident left her cousin in tears.

Scots DJ Hannah Laing was “detained and strip-searched” after sharing a toilet with her cousin at a German music festival.

The Dundee-based star was performing at Isle of Summer in Munich when she and her cousin went into a portable toilet together after her set on Saturday.

She claims after leaving the toilet they were detained by four undercover police officers and frogmarched through the crowds.

The 31-year-old said the two women were then subjected to a “degrading and embarrassing” strip search that left her cousin in tears.

Sharing her ordeal on Instagram she said: “At first we genuinely thought they were joking until they walked us through the festival in front of everyone with our hands held together.

“I had just come off stage after performing, so it felt seriously humiliating being seen [by] ravers.

“We were taken to a private tent and handed over to female officers who told us they suspected we had been taking drugs because we went to the toilet together. I told them that we hadn’t.

“They then said they needed to search us. I assumed this meant checking pockets/bags. One officer held my hands and the other did an invasive search all over, including in my underwear (front and back) feeling absolutely everywhere. I felt extremely degraded and embarrassed. My cousin was crying because she felt the same.

“They found nothing because we weren’t taking drugs.”

Hannah said the situation felt “disproportionate” and said security signs made no mention of being intimately searched for sharing a toilet.

She added: “At no point were we clearly told that this would be such an intimate search. If we had been given the option, we would have left the festival and not agreed to a strip search.

“The officers told us there was signs on the Portaloos but it was written in German, which we don’t speak. The sign states: ‘Anyone who enters a booth/cabin with two people (or more) will be banned and removed from the event’.

“Nowhere did it state that attendees could be subjected to an invasive strip-style search. I completely understand how important it is that festivals have drug policies. But the situation felt disproportionate.

“I could understand a more serious search if there had been suspicion of selling drugs. Regardless of festival policies this shouldn’t be considered normal treatment at any event. I also want to make it clear this is not the festival’s fault.

“They looked after us extremely well and were also appalled at the situation.”

Isle of Summer has been asked for comment.

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Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one

Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here . Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling our helpful team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

16.11.1940 – 25.04.2026 It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the death of Ann Askew, of Histon, Cambridge, who died peacefully on the 25th April 2026 at the age of 85. Beloved wife to David, devoted mother to Paul, Shaun and Marie, brilliant grandmother to Emily, Jemima, Samuel and Kaiden, wonderful mother-in-law to Hayley and Yvonne, she will be sadly and deeply missed by all of her family and friends. Ann’s funeral will be held at 10am on the 15th of May at The Arbory Trust in Barton. Please do get in touch to let us know if you would like to attend or send your condolences (contact: shaun.askew@ nhs.net). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, via her Muchloved tribute page at: https://annaskew.muchloved.com/ All our love, the Askew Family.

The funeral of Rhoda Chuter will take place on 19th May at Heart of England Crematorium at 4.15pm. All who knew Rhoda are welcome to attend. Please bring a pudding spoon and a small tin to make a loud noise at a given signal. All will be explained on the day.

(Mel) Of Downham Market and formerly Cambridge, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday 19th April 2026, aged 87 years. Beloved husband of Gillian and dearly loved by children Kathryn and Richard and grandchildren Joe and Alice. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Private family funeral only but donations in Mel’s memory, if desired, for Tapping House or the East Anglian Air Ambulance may be made online at ajcoggles.co.uk by following the link to Memory Giving. Any enquiries can be made to AJ Coggles, Family Funeral Directors, 13 Bridge Street, Downham Market, PE38 9DW, telephone 01366 384182.

(Sam) of Cambridge. It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of John on Wednesday 22 April 2026 aged 90. Beloved husband of the late Sheila, very much- loved Dad of Lyn, Beverley, Nicola and Jonathan, grandad to Gemma, Amy, Rose, Connor, George and Samuel, great-grandad to Caitlin, Harley and Theo, great-great grandad to River-Rose, father-in-law to Gerald and Emma. John will be deeply missed. Funeral service to be held at St.Andrew’s Church, Chesterton on Monday 18 May at 10.30am, followed by interment at Huntingdon Road Cemetery. Family flowers only please but donations can be made, if desired, to RAF Benevolent Fund c/o Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS

(Tony) of Cottenham, passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness on Tuesday 14th April 2026, aged 88 years. Loving husband of Brenda, much loved dad, grandad and great grandad, who will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral Service at All Saints’ Church, Cottenham on Thursday 21st May at 11.00 am followed by private burial in the churchyard. Donations, if desired, made payable to R J Pepper Donation Account (to be equally divided between Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and The British Heart Foundation) may be left at the service or sent c/o R. J. Pepper & Son Family Funeral Directors, 1, Telegraph Street, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8QU Telephone 01954 251919.

Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday 12th April 2026 aged 86 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Derrick, mother of Darren and Alison, grandmother to Lauren, Lisa, Esther and Isla. She will be greatly missed. Funeral service to be held at the Cambridge City Crematorium, West Chapel on Friday 29th May 2026 at 2:15pm. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Cancer Research UK c/o Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309

In Memoriams

Treasured memories of a beloved husband, son and brother, who passed away 3rd May 2016. Missing you and loving you always. Your Wife Flora ‘Per Sempre Nel Mio Cuore’

Acknowledgements

(née Dawson) Ian and family would like to thank all relatives, friends and neighbours for messages of sympathy and cards received during their recent sad loss. Thanks to those who attended the funeral service, their presence was of great comfort and for the donations received in her memory. Special thanks to Histon Baptist Church and R. J. Pepper & Son Family Funeral Directors. Please accept this as the only acknowledgement.

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.

Fashion has always done more than keep us warm. It’s also a social language, quietly organising ideas of status, taste and belonging.

What made the first The Devil Wears Prada (2006) so satisfying was watching main character Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) learn, often the hard way, that clothes were never just clothes. At first she could not read what clothes signalled in the room. By the end, she understood their language.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 picks up that idea and runs with it. Here, fashion speaks clearly about who we think we are and who we would like to become. Beneath the sharp one-liners lies something more revealing: clothing as a system of meaning.

Even the soundtrack reinforces this idea. The lyrics “I came to be seen” from the song Runway by Lady Gaga and Doechii, which plays during the film’s credits, underscore how visibility operates as a form of social currency.

Anthropologist Grant McCracken argued that consumer goods carry cultural meaning that moves through society in stages. First, meanings sit in a wider cultural pool, shaped by ideas such as success, taste and aspiration. Second, they are picked up and repackaged by intermediaries such as editors, influencers and tastemakers. Third, they land with consumers, who use them to construct identity.

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How close reading took over the internet via The Devil Wears Prada’s cerulean monologue

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a glossy study of change, where identity is constantly renegotiated as the characters grapple with meanings associated with power, roles and friendship. In this world, gatekeepers like Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) still decide what counts as “in” before the rest of us have even chosen our socks.

According to McCracken, cultural meaning moves from the cultural world and filters down to consumer goods where individual identity is finally established. Stanley Tucci’s Nigel remarks about Andy: “Look what TJ Maxx dragged in.” This does more than insult. It assigns her a position – misplaced, off-cycle, adjacent to luxury, marking her as uninitiated in a language she no longer speaks.

By contrast, in the archives of Christian Dior, the meaning system is made explicit by Emily (Emily Blunt): “Your bag, your scarf, your umbrella, tells the world who you are.” It suggests that in this world, even the smallest detail signals position, functioning as a micro-indicator of taste, knowledge and class alignment.

Loud signals and quiet codes

The sequel contrasts different strategies of self-presentation. Emily treats fashion as spectacle. Her outfits do not enter a room, but announce themselves to the room. Her black leather harness dress at a funeral is not a misstep, but a bold reminder that even in mourning, style can still speak with conviction.

By contrast, Nigel embodies what has come to be known as “quiet luxury”. His wardrobe is precise, restrained and almost invisible unless you know exactly what to look for. Meaning does not shout. It whispers. This reflects a broader shift in consumer culture.

People have long used possessions to communicate identity, but the codes evolve. In a world saturated with visibility, subtlety has become its own form of distinction. Knowing not to show off is, in itself, a way of showing off. The film captures this tension with a knowing wink. One character dresses to be seen while another dresses to be understood. Both are playing the same game.

At its core, the film is less about fashion than meaning. Clothing becomes a way of signalling trajectory: who is rising, who is stalling, who is quietly consolidating power. This is seen in Andy’s gradual shift from ill-fitting outsider to someone increasingly fluent in the visual language of the industry.

Consumer research suggests that we do not buy things just for what they are, but for what they mean. Clothing bridges the gap between who we are and who we hope to be. Getting dressed, in this sense, is a daily act of storytelling, sometimes optimistic, sometimes aspirational, occasionally delusional. The Devil Wears Prada 2 explains this through humour and self-awareness. The audience laughs at the excess, but not entirely from a distance.

From culture to closet and back again

By the time these meanings reach everyday life, the final step in McCracken’s model, they are no longer controlled by Miranda or the fashion elite. They are taken up, adapted and sometimes resisted by individual consumers. This is where meaning becomes personal.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 may be a comedy, but it makes a sharper point. Getting dressed is never just about clothes. It is about navigating a world of symbols and deciding how, or whether, to play along. The real question is not whether fashion matters, but whether we understand the meanings stitched into what we wear, and the quiet ways they shape our sense of who we are and who we might yet become.

In a more tender scene, Andy’s love interest takes in her blue sequin dress and says: “It’s a lot. But I like a lot.” The moment points to a broader insight: when fashion aligns with a sense of self, it shifts from excess to expression, becoming a quiet way of being seen not for what we display, but for who we are.