TV star Mel Giedroyc’s life off-screen from money ‘wipeout’ to health problems

Television favourite and comedian Mel Giedroyc is gearing up to host ITV’s fresh-out-of-the-box game show Pictionary.

The show will aim to reinvent the classic drawing game that involves quick sketches and humorous guesses all while adhering to the original rules of Pictionary, which was first introduced in 1985.

Mel couldn’t hide her thrill about the upcoming gig and remakred: “Everyone is familiar with Pictionary, and I am so excited to help bring the game to life on television. It is such a pleasure to be a part of and I know people will love the show.”

With the hype about Mel returning to screens once more after a brief hiatus, we couldn’t help but ponder a thought for the host’s on-screen and personal life.

Other than fronting alongside her television partner Sue Perkins, what do we all really know about Mel?

Early career of Mel Giedroyc

Known for her stint on The Great British Bake Off, Mel has been commendably candid about her personal health battles, including her challenging journey through menopause.

She acknowledges that her life isn’t an endless array of laughter and fun. Speaking to the Independent, Mel revealed that only those closest to her truly understand the realities of menopausal experiences.

“I do have a dark side. Only my husband, children, close friends and family ever get to see it,” she confessed. “I wouldn’t say I go into deep dark black dog depression I’m fortunate in that regard, but everyone experiences highs and lows and I always strive to remain optimistic.”

It was within Cambridge University’s hallowed halls that Mel met kindred spirit Sue Perkins, setting the stage for a partnership that would echo through their careers.

Their mutual knack for evoking raucous laughter bound them instantaneously, soon making them darlings of the Cambridge Footlights comedy club with their infectious wit.

The dynamic duo not only triumphed in the entertainment sector but also scooped up Best Newcomers Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1993. This accolade steered them towards their breakout role in French and Saunders, shimmering under the showbiz spotlight.

It was in 1996 that they nabbed what’s arguably their most notable highlight, co-hosting the popular comedy chat show Light Lunch. Despite seeing its conclusion after two successful seasons, the pair cherished having each other as constants in their professional journey.

In a heartfelt Guardian interview, they expressed their mutual appreciation saying: “We’re each the trampoline upon which the other one bounces.”

Mel further reflected: “When we work together, we revert to being 19 again, which is bloody annoying for anyone around us because we’ve so much shared history and comedy.”

Mel Giedroyc’s health woes

The former Great British Bake Off host has always been open and transparent when it comes to matters of health, especially previously her struggles with the menopause.

Despite being a cherished figure on our screens, she admitted that life isn’t always filled with laughter. In a past interview with the Independent, Mel once stated that only her closest loved ones know what life is really like while going through the menopause.

“I do have a dark side. Only my husband, children, close friends and family ever get to see it,” she confessed. “I wouldn’t say I go into deep dark black dog depression I’m fortunate in that regard, but everyone experiences highs and lows and I always strive to remain optimistic.”

Mel faces the common struggles of exhaustion, pressure, and a demanding work life, sharing that it can sometimes lead to her “spiral quite badly”.

Financial burnout

Mel was honest about learning a valuable life lesson with matters relating to money after she was burned early on in her career. The comedian and presenter, shot to fame quickly after helping out with the popular French and Saunders comedy series.

After much success early on Mel had more money rolling in that she could have ever imagined and went out house shopping, purchasing a property for £500,000 believing she’d have enough money to always pay the bills – and she was wrong.

The TV star caught the eye of well known bread brand Kingsmill and they struck up a deal for her and Sue to voice over two adverts a year – she was under the assumption that arrangement would persist but an unforeseen letter abruptly landed and changed everything.

Speaking about that moment with the Metro, she said: “I had the girls [daughters Vita and Florence] and I thought, ‘This is great! I can be a stay-at-home mum and do the odd advert and keep the coffers going and life is good’. Then a letter came through the door saying, ‘We don’t need you any more for the advert’ and that was it. We were wiped out financially.”

The crashing news meant that in order to not go bankrupt Mel and her husband TV director Ben Morris made a decision to downgrade to a two bedroom rented flat with their two daughters.

Having learned a hard lesson, Mel lives within her means and has taken an important lesson from the situation. “[You learn] through these awful experiences that there is more to life than the trappings of wealth,” she shared in the same interview.

Great British Bake Off prediction

Mel’s honesty shone through when discussing her initial thoughts on the Great British Bake Off. Joining the show in 2010 was partly a financial decision, as she had little confidence in its potential success.

Speaking to the Metro, she confessed: “At first, I thought: ‘Isn’t this just another cookery show? I thought it would go under the radar but I needed the work and it was a chance to work with Sue again.”

Contrary to her expectations, the series soared in popularity, becoming a staple of British culture. Mel, alongside Sue Perkins, helped establish the show’s playful and innuendo-laden atmosphere that fans have come to love.

After a seven-year stint, they handed over the reins to Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig. However, following the show’s move to Channel 4, This Morning’s Alison Hammond has now stepped in to fill Toksvig’s shoes.