After Dinner Speakers: Melanie Sykes, Valery Giscard D'Estaing, Delia Smith

Melanie was born in Manchester on 7th August 1970. At 19 she joined a London Modelling Agency which led to many catwalk fashion shows, magazine work and TV commercials such as Falmer Jeans, Pearl Drops and a poster campaign for Haagen Daaz.Melanie's first break in television came when she fronted the Boddingtons commercial. This led to presenting roles on Sky One's Real TV UK and BBC's Holiday Programme. She hosted the Hit List UK show and the Pheonix Festival for MTV. She went on to present a strand called 'I haven't got a thing to wear' for Carlton's Afternoon Live. In 1997, Melanie signed a two year deal with The Big Breakfast, becoming ine of the most exciting faces on television. She linked the oscars live from LA for the show and hosted The Big Breakfast and Bigger Breakfast throughout the summer of 1998. In 1998 Melanie became the legs and face of Aristoc Hosieryt and is signed until 2000. In december 1998 she won rave reviews for fronting the highly acclaimed Smash Hits Poll Winners Party (BBC 1). 1999 saw Mel hosting the new series of Dream Ticket for LWT, continuing her work with The Big Breakfast and filming a documentary for BBC News and Current Affairs called Melani Sykes Southall Stories (BBC2). She then went on to present a Disney special for ITV. From September 1999 Melanie began presenting on TFI on Galaxy Radio with Tim Vincent. 1999 ALSO SAW Mel co-hosting Miss World broadcasting live in the UK and worldwide.