Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and Caroline Waldegrave (Image: mark bourdillon)
Prepare to be whisked away by the delicious drama of The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer, returning to our screens tonight. Celebrities are set to showcase their culinary prowess in the name of charity, ensuring a hearty mix of entertainment and philanthropy.
With an exciting roll call that boasts names like Kate Garraway from Good Morning Britain, Loose Women panellist Gloria Hunniford, viral internet personality Amelia Dimoldenberg, and radio icon Roman Kemp, the kitchen is bound to see its fair share of heat and hilarity.
Big news on the judging front: renowned Prue Leith is stepping aside for the cancer charity specials, passing her tasting spoon to close friend Caroline Waldegrave.
But who exactly is Caroline Waldegrave and what is she known for as she gears up to be on the primetime television show?
Ahead of Channel 4’s premiere episode tonight, let us slice into her life story, from her marriage to ex-politician William Waldegrave to her cherished bond with fellow culinary star Prue Leith…
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Caroline is filling in for pal Prue Leith (Image: ITV)
Former Politician husband
Wedded to the world of politics and family life, Caroline tied the knot with William Waldegrave – a former bigwig Tory who sat at the high table of government during the ’90s before securing a peerage.
Together, they have nurtured four offspring Katie, Liza, Jamie, and Harriet and their bond remains unshakably sweet.
Not just a parental figure, Caroline revels in grand-maternity, avidly indulging in precious moments with her progeny’s progeny.
She shared a snapshot on that oozed familial bliss and adventure, illustrating her paddling with pachyderms and grandchildren in Thailand, all under the caption: “Swimming with elephants and grandchildren in Thailand.”
: [NEWS]
Caroline Waldegrave replaces her friend Dame Prue Leith on Great Celebrity Bake Off (Image: Mark Bourdillon)
Friendship with Prue Leith
Weaving into the fabric of Prue Leith’s life, Caroline’s narrative intertwines with the formidable judge, dating back to a job application at Prue’s culinary enterprise in the swinging seventies.
Fast forward to today, and Caroline holds the reins as co-owner and managing director at the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine, an institution she acquired alongside Sir Christopher Bland two decades ago.
Caroline and Prue have teamed up to pen several culinary masterpieces, including the renowned Leiths Cookery Bible, Leiths Cooking for One or Two, and the seasonal must-haves, Leiths Seasonal Bibles.
Ahead of her latest TV appearance, Caroline divulged the gutsy guidance Prue imparted, sharing: “‘When you think something, say it. Be brave and say what you think’. She is brave and says what she thinks and I think I got braver.”
Culinary Ventures
At the helm of Dudwell Cookery School nestled in Somerset’s idyllic countryside, Caroline also boasts authorship of The Healthy Gourmet and The Low Fat Gourmet.
Television buffs may recognise Caroline from her stints on various shows, such as Chef School, Masterchef, and Tricks of the Table. Her exceptional service to the UK’s catering scene was honoured with an OBE in 2000.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer airs tonight at 7:40pm on Channel 4 and 4OD