Mel Giedroyc

Mel Giedroyc was born on 15 June 1958, to Michal Giedroyc and Rosemary, in Epsom, Surrey. Her father was a Polish aristocrat, aircraft designer, and historian who moved to Britain, in 1947. The family grew up in Leatherhead. She has three siblings, including Coky Giedroyc. the award-winning director.

She attended Oxford High School and later joined the Trinity College at Cambridge University where she studied Italian. She was an active theatre enthusiast and participated in many dramas across.

In 1988, she met her future collaborator, Sue Perkins, at a comedy gig in college and the duo eventually worked in the troupe ‘Footlights’. They started performing at various places and festivals while at college. After graduating, they embarked on a longstanding onscreen partnership.

Mel Giedroyc came to the conclusion that comedy was her calling and decided to work as a barmaid until she found a steady job along. Mel and Sue bagged the role for writing ‘Week Ending’, satirical radio sketch show on BBC Radio 4. This helped them enter the field of media and broadcasting.

They would routinely tour the country for stand-up gigs. They finally went on a UK National tour from 1995 to 1996.

In 1996, the duo was recruited to write for the popular sitcom ‘French & Saunders’. They also has brief appearances in the series.

Mel was next seen in ‘Light Lunch’, lunch-time comedy panel that she hosted alongside Sue. The show was successful and ran for four series from 1997 to 1998. A spin-off of this titled ‘Late Lunch’ was also hosted by Mel and Sue and ran for a season.

The famous duo toured again in April and May 1999 with their show ‘Mel & Sue: Back to Our Routes’.

Giedroyc is most famous for her role as the co-host of ‘The Great British Bake Off’. She, along with Sue Perkins, would remain the presenters of the increasingly popular baking show for six series before the network changed. Mel and Sue’s charismatic presence increased the show’s likability.