Celia Imrie Recounts Near Arrest in U.S. After Hotel Mix-Up

Actress Celia Imrie, 74, shared an account of a bewildering experience in the United States where she was nearly arrested after being mistaken for a prostitute. The incident occurred when Imrie and her friend, actress and writer Fidelis Morgan, arrived in Fresno, California, to find their pre-booked hotel, the Radisson, boarded up.

According to Imrie's retelling on the "Joe Marler Will See You Now" podcast, the pair had planned to meet in Fresno for a weekend getaway. Upon discovering the hotel's condition, they were directed to a casino nearby. After inquiring there, they learned the Radisson had moved to the other side of town. As darkness fell, they began walking towards the new location.

While seeking directions, Imrie approached two gentlemen who, she recounted, appeared startled and hurried away, seemingly under the impression she was soliciting them.

Shortly thereafter, a police car stopped, and an officer questioned if they were "street walking." When they explained they were looking for their hotel, Imrie stated the officer pushed her into the back of the patrol car. She described the vehicle as a standard black and white U.S. police car with flashing lights.

Imrie explained that they were "very, very nearly" arrested, but the officer eventually verified their story via her walkie-talkie, confirming the hotel had indeed relocated. The officer then warned them about the unsafety of the area for walking at night and provided them with a ride to the Radisson's new location.

Imrie noted that the hotel staff seemed surprised by their arrival via police car. She also commented on the confined space within the patrol car. She did not specify the exact date of the incident, but indicated the hotel in question moved locations in 2014. Imrie mentioned that she and Morgan first met in 1975 while touring with actress Glenda Jackson and have a history of traveling together.

Despite the unsettling nature of the experience, Imrie expressed a positive sentiment about it, stating, "I loved it. I loved it."