Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes calls Tony Abbott a tit on Q&A

Outspoken Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes did not mince words when asked to describe Tony Abbott.

"I think he's a tit," said the actress, a naturalised Australian.

These and other no frills comments Margolyes made on ABC's Q&A last night sparked debate among fellow panel members and propelled her into Twitter hero status.

"Can we claim Miriam Margolyes as a national treasure yet?" tweeted one viewer.

Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was the only one on the panel who tried to defend the prime minister, saying he was a "decent" father, husband and member of his local community.

Another panel member, Trisha Jha of the Centre for Independent Studies, sided with Margolyes, declaring: "The tit is a lovely bird."

Margolyes offered another memorable TV moment in an answer to a question about anti-Semitism.

Margolyes, who is British-born and Jewish herself, said: "People don't like Jews. It's not comfortable to say that and it's not comfortable to hear it. But I believe it to be true.

"Antisemitism is a rotten thing. It's an ignorant, stupid, horrible thing. As is anti-Muslim feeling. They have to be together."